Christchurch Priory, Christchurch, Dorset

This venerable building has a great history..

The legend of the Miraculous Beam is one worth noting, and how Christchurch got its name.

The legend of the miraculous beam dates to the early 12th century. The story is that a beam was found to have been cut too short when it was hoisted into place. This would have been embarrassing for the carpenters since the wood was expensive and would be difficult to replace. There was however a mysterious carpenter who had worked and eaten alone. The following day the carpenters returned and found the beam was now fitted in place. The unknown carpenter was never seen again,
 The church became Christ's Church of Twynham in commemoration of the event.  In time the town became Twynham-Christchurch and eventually shortened to Christchurch