Situated between Bournemouth and the New Forest National Park, the Dorset coastal town of Christchurch has a distinctive historic character, reflecting both its origins as a Saxon burh and its maritime associations. The earliest settlement was around the Saxon minster church, on the site of the present Priory Church, and the town developed slowly northwards. Despite the rapid proliferation of housing estates from the late nineteenth century onwards, the centre retains the character and charm of a historic town. This is further distinguished by its maritime connections, with the harbour, salt marshes and sandy beaches of Christchurch Bay still dominated by the Priory.

In Christchurch in 50 Buildings, authors Paul Rabbitts and Liz Gordon take readers on an engaging and informative tour of the town, highlighting a selection of its architectural gems and landmarks old and new. They feature a wide range of architectural styles and a diverse selection of buildings and structures, encompassing everything from the Priory to pubs, castle to cottages and bridges to beach huts. Tracing the development of Christchurch through the centuries, this book celebrates the town’s ancient history and its many historic buildings, as well as its role as a popular tourist destination in Dorset.