Christchurch is surrounded by large wide marshes at the confluence of the Stour and the Avon. This strategic position gave Christchurch its former name Tweoxneam ... ‘the town between the rivers’. Its harbour was sheltered by nearby Hengistbury Head, a defensible site in more turbulent days, as well as an excellent look-out point. Its skyline is dominated by the Priory, which was famous in the Middle Ages for its relics and attracted many pilgrims. After the Reformation and, a century later, the Civil War, Christchurch fell into decline and became a small fishing town.