In what ways might a study of Christchurch Priory be used to illustrate the place of the church in Medieval England (1066 – 1540)?
Ciaran O'Neill
Christchurch Priory
In what ways might a study of Christchurch Priory be used to illustrate the place of the church in Medieval England (1066 - 1540)?
Christchurch Priory, Church of the Holy Trinity is situated on the south coast of England and just east of Bournemouth. Previously named Thuinam, or Twynham, which means a settlement between two rivers, the Avon and the Stour, the town was renamed to acknowledge both the geographical and social influence of the church. There is evidence to suggest that there was a Saxon church of some nature before the Norman invasion of 1066, highlighted by reference to a Monastic property owned by Edward the Confessor in the domsday book of 1087, administered by a Dean and 24 secular canons, but was likely to have been of little significance.
A 'priory' is the self-sufficient church of a religious house under a prior or prioress but now the priory now holds only 'church' status. Features of the area that remain are the Church itself, the monastic wall, the 'Garda Rode' or toilet, the Twelfth century Norman round tower the Leat, and the Prior's lodge all of which hint strongly at the likelihood of a fully functional priory in previous years.
The Anglo-Saxons effectively established the Priory of Christchurch, and building development was instigated in 1094 by the influential figure of Ranulf Flambard after the Norman Invasion. There is great evidence to suggest that it was once an institution of great significance. It is clear to see why a Monastery was built on this land, the previous name of the church; 'Thuinam' suggests that the site was chosen as a result of the surrounding rivers of the Avon and Stour. The convenience of flowing water in abundance would have provided power, which is displayed in the remaining mil, a good potential for transport, a means of sanitation, and water for culinary and drinking purposes. The land would also have been very fertile as it was on the silt plains of two rivers approaching the sea. These were most probably the influencing factors of Ranulf Flambard's decision to begin the construction of a Norman Church over the Saxon building of the 7th century.
On the basis of our visit to the Priory, it is apparent that the church was clearly not constructed at one time. When viewed from the hill on the north side of the church (with the remains of motte and bailey from the reformation), the priory appears to have a dysfunctional, incoherent longitudinal pattern, suggesting that building took place sporadically over a long period of time, hence the different architectural styles running through the church. There is evidence to support claims that features were added in each century from 11th to 17th.
Construction would have begun, ...
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On the basis of our visit to the Priory, it is apparent that the church was clearly not constructed at one time. When viewed from the hill on the north side of the church (with the remains of motte and bailey from the reformation), the priory appears to have a dysfunctional, incoherent longitudinal pattern, suggesting that building took place sporadically over a long period of time, hence the different architectural styles running through the church. There is evidence to support claims that features were added in each century from 11th to 17th.
Construction would have begun, in continuation of the start instigated by Ranulf Flambard, with a basic Norman Cruciform church; a nave up to triphorium level (complete with Norman arches) with north and south aisles, a central tower and possibly a quire. The perfectly round Norman towers convey that Norman construction included the transepts. It appears that these transepts have been 'extended', with clear Tudor style architecture and windows; clearly disjointed in comparison to both the nave and where they meet the towers. Major work continued in the 13th century; the early English and Decorated era. Nave aisles vaulted and a clerestory was built. Most noticeably, the 'oversize', disproportionate north porch was erected, used to deal with secular matters, such as disputes, and the sealing of land contracts. The south nave aisle windows, Jesse Redros Screen and the quire screen are from the Decorated period. The Lady Chapel to the far East of the Church was built towards the end of the 14th century, and was started in Perpendicular style, illustrated by the grand windows almost entirely spanning the walls from top to bottom. The 'Great Quire' was also reconstructed in Gothic Perpendicular architecture. The stunningly ornate chantry chapels, Salisbury and Draper, were the last major constructions (decorated in Tudor Renaissance) before the dissolution of the monasteries.
In 1530 came the Reformation; Henry VIII joined the Protestants after arguing with the Pope who refused to grant Henry a divorce. Henry established himself as head of the English church and 'Defender of the Faith'. He then began his assault on the Catholic Church; images and statues portraying Catholicism and the 'pagan idolatry' were ripped out and destroyed, churches made generally plainer, and monasteries dissolved. The church at Christchurch was spared, but most other monastic buildings were pulled down. This is the simple answer to the question of where did the 'Priory' go. The effects of the dissolution of the monasteries is still clearly visible today, with empty niches and shelves all around the church, especially in the transepts, the Lady Chapel, and the Quire.
It is clear that the Church played an elementary role of the socio-economic structure of Medieval Life. The Church owned around 25 to 30% of the land in Britain, clearly showing power, status and influence. This displays the greater commitment and belief of people, but also the corrupt state of Christianity in the medieval ages, as a large proportion of this would have been made up of bequeathed land from the wealthier patrons wishing to buy salvation. We see in the Domesday Book extract mentions of the Priory holding land throughout Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Thus the Priory would have been a large employer, playing an important role in the area's economy. On the representational map, there is an Infirmary; this suggests that the monks of the priory would have provided medical care, possibly reading Latin texts in conjunction with medicinal treatments from the herb garden. The monks would have also encouraged cleanliness and hygiene, to place them in an image of God. The priory would have been the only literate community in a wide area. We can therefore assume that monks may well have tutored aristocratic boys, of which there is evidence in St Michael's Loft, much like the religious institutions at the universities of Oxbridge. The somewhat disproportionate porch suggests that it was built in that way for a reason; the highly educated and well respected monks were often called on to arbitrate in disputes of secular (worldly) matters. They preached the value of morals from the pulpit, and could read the language of the law. The monks would have provided a responsible and impartial service, in an age before fair trial. Another amenity that is apparent on the representational map of the priory in c.1543 is a hostellary, or a service offering care for travellers. An almonry service to alleviate hardship in times of poverty existed at the priory would have distributed food and money to the villains of the town. The periodic expansion and decoration of the priory not only highlights the wealth of the Monastery, but shows the importance of the Church as a social institution, central to everyday life, as well as numerous religious rites and festivals.
The church was crucial to the Norman's successful governing of Britain. Through the church they could promote themselves to acceptance, as well as introducing their own ideals. They therefore kept a strong influence over the Church; for example the progression of Ranulf Flambard to a position of prominence that allowed him to proceed to build a Norman Church over the existent Saxon one.
The rise of Norman socialism through the church gave rise to a new democracy, mainly through the feudal system. Placing the public in a hierarchy, with the King and the Church at the top, this was another important factor in the establishment of the Church as the nucleus of medieval life. It appears that the rise of Christchurch Priory in its community is reminiscent of the rising status of the Norman religion to the age of the Great Church. This was however decimated in the reign of Henry VIII through the reformation when he stripped the Church of its wealth as well as identity.
In conclusion, I would advise that Christchurch Priory illustrates the place of the Church in Medieval Britain well. It seems to have a direct correlation to the advance of the Church in Britain; established after the Norman conquest of 1066, progressing physically and in status, then hugely affected by the reformation and the dissolution of the Monasteries. I believe that the sources such as the representational maps must have at least a certain degree of accuracy, as after a trip to the 'Priory' it is clearly apparent that there was once something more there. For example the huge Priors door on the south side that now leads to nothing would not be there if it had not once been of significance.
