Christchurch Priory & Palm Trees

So, resulting from a long-ago funny moment on a cruise, it was essentially decided that all vacations are not legit until a Palm tree is found.

FORTUNATELY, Christchurch delivered.  Many times.  But this particular palm was a beaut.  As is the lass modeling with it.

So now that the trip is legit, lets move on.

The Priory has a history dating back to 1094!  The site originally had several smaller structures on it before they were demolished to make way for a singular, larger building.  The full history can be found here on their website.

They still hold services and have an active ministry here, which is absolutely amazing given how long the building has stood there.  And in the floor there were markers for noblemen and patrons that were buried there – many with typos and amendments in their names!  (the pictures didn’t turn out sadly)

Christchurch is a coastal community and there were several swans about preening themselves.  And I learned that apparently all the swans in England are traditionally owned by the Queen.  Though according to Wikipedia, that rule is only really upheld in London on the River Thames.

We also found this arched walkway in the gardens that begggged for a photo opp.  Here we have myself with Molly on the far left and to my immediate left is Brynn.

I don’t know why, but I have found that I have a love of doors.  This one on the side of the Priory was sooo tempting to creep up and open!

Not yet a castle, but given how this Priory is almost literally ancient, I’d say it still counts as a check off the list!

~ Beth