CHRISTCHURCH is twinned with Christchurch in New Zealand and has existed in one form or another since the Iron Age when the area was used as a trading point and safe mooring for visiting traders.

Its position between the rivers Avon and Stour made it an ideal place to conduct trade.

Today the traders may be a little different, but throughout history, the town has changed while still retaining its historical roots.

Today Christchurch has a traditional, quintessentially English feel to it with a modern edge; achieved through its fashionable shops in the High Street, Saxon Square Shopping Centre, and contemporary bars and restaurants.

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Old: Bathers on Avon beach with the controversial satellite tracking station in the background in 1973.

New: The same view of Avon Beach in more recent years.

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Old: The corner of Christchurch High Street pictured in 1954 as the road was due to be widened.

New: The same view of Christchurch High Street in more recent years.

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Old: The toll bridge and house at Tuckton, circa 1890.

New: The same view of the bridge in more recent years.

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Old: looking up Church Street towards Christchurch Priory on May 10, 1963.

New: The same view of Church Street in more recent years.

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LEFT: Pontins Holiday Camp on the banks of the River Stour at Christchurch pictured in 1987, eight years before the camp closed and later demolished.

RIGHT: Captain’s Club on Christchurch Quay on site of former Pontins Holiday Camp at Wick Ferry.  

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Old: Bargates, Christchurch, in December 1982.

New: The same view of Bargates in more recent years.

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