Christchurch, Dorset

Christchurch is a town in the county of Dorset in southern England on the English Channel coast. The town has a population of 44,869 (according to 2001 figures), of whom a significant proportion are comfortably off senior citizens (approximately 40% are retired). Indeed, the area of Highcliffe on the town's eastern boundary possesses the highest percentage of elderly residents in the entire United Kingdom (65%).

Related Topics:
Dorset - England - English Channel - 2001 - United Kingdom

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It was originally a Saxon settlement called Twyneham (which gives the town's central school its name), which meant the settlement between two rivers. The Avon and the Stour both enter the sea in Christchurch Harbour. This medium-sized priory and market town is generally regarded as a conservative, slow-paced and popular tourist and retirement destination "where time is pleasant" (according to the town's official description).

Related Topics:
Saxon - Avon - Stour

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The town centre is dominated by the Priory church and the High Street with its squares and parades containing shopping facilities. Christchurch forms part of the south east Dorset conurbation along with Bournemouth, Poole and the districts of Wimborne and other areas of East Dorset.

Related Topics:
Church - Conurbation - Bournemouth - Poole - Wimborne

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The harbour is a large protected salt marsh protected by a sand bar at the entrance. The harbour is only accessible to shallow draught boats due to the sand bars at the entrance. The entrance, known as the Run, has Mudeford Quay on one side and the sand bar on the other. Considerable tides flow here, up to 6 knots during spring tides. The harbour is a protected wildlife refuge and is home to large populations of swans, waders and other bird life. On the south side the harbour is enclosed by Hengistbury head which was the site of the earliest settlement here dating back to the neolithic. The landward end of the headland still has the bank and ditch built about 2000BC to protect the settlement.

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During Saxon times the harbour was one of the most important in England as it was easily reached from the continent and boats could enter the harbour and travel up the river Avon all the way to Salisbury.

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The current local government district and borough was formed in April 1, 1974 by the merger of the old borough of Christchurch with part of Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District. It was previously in Hampshire.

Related Topics:
Local government district - Borough - April 1 - 1974 - Christchurch - Ringwood and Fordingbridge Rural District - Hampshire

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The Member of Parliament for Christchurch is Christopher Chope, who holds a considerable vote majority of 15,559 and a percentage vote of 54.7% following the 2005 general election, making Christchurch one of the safest Conservative constituencies in the country.

Related Topics:
Member of Parliament - Christopher Chope - 2005 general election

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