House of Normandy
Very close to ducking stool, Christchurch has ancient ruins that the locals are very proud of. The place is really charming and beyond any doubt ancient. The ruins are called Norman House and once lived there a real count, or rather the count himself and his family lived literally across the lawn in the Motte and Bailey castle which was built by his ancestor Richard de Redvers, a Norman baron who accompanied William the Conqueror to England around 1100.
In the house itself lived his constable, responsible for the safety of buildings. He lived quite a long time ago, because the house was built for him in 1160.
The Norman House is one of the few surviving examples of Norman home architecture in England.
The first floor was probably used as a warehouse. An external staircase led to the main rooms on the second floor, where a small vestibule separated the two main rooms — the hall and the solar chamber.
An elaborately designed window at the north end of the hall points to an elevation where a high table stood.
The chimney is almost completely preserved and is a really rare sight.
The eastern wall of the house, closest to the river, is thicker, as it served as a protective wall of the castle. All doors and windows on this open side were equipped with latches in case of attack.
To the left of the eastern wall was a latrine overlooking a mill creek. See a small ledge into the river?
The hall on the second floor was opened to the roof with wide-open windows to let in as much light as possible.
The house is located next to a stream, with beautiful swans, birds and small fish, an old bridge and friendly ducks for the company create a great opportunity for wonderful walks and 100% quality rest. Do not forget about the tea house, looking directly at the ruins, where you can enjoy traditional cream-tea, which we did not have to do, but this is a completely different story …
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