Description of the attraction
Not far from Bournemouth are the picturesque ruins of Christchurch Castle. Scientists believe that a wooden fortress was located on this site at the beginning of the 10th century to protect a strategically important settlement at the mouth of the Avon River and a bridge across the river from Viking raids. After the Norman conquest, the castle was rebuilt in stone, and the oldest stonework now dates back to 1160. The purpose of the castle is also changing, more attention is paid not to an external threat, but to the pacification of the local population. The castle existed until the middle of the 17th century, when it was destroyed by order of Cromwell. Remains of walls, towers and, in some places, uncovered parts of the moat have survived to this day.
Next to the castle is the Constable's House, a very rare example of residential Norman architecture that also dates back to 1160. The house has been preserved much better than the castle. Here you can see a Norman fireplace - one of five that have survived to this day. The first floor of the building was used as a storage room. An external and internal staircase led to the second floor. At the beginning of the 13th century, a "wardrobe" was added to the house - this was the name of the medieval toilet.
