Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Mansion is a notable 16th-century red brick mansion featuring some blue brick diapering. It is designed in an E shape and is located within a large park that is now owned by the town. The mansion was built in 1548 by Sir Edmund Withipoll on the site of the 12th-century Augustinian priory of Holy Trinity. The south front of the building has wings extending to the east and west, with a central two-storey balustraded entrance porch that projects outward. This porch is flanked by heavy Tuscan half-columns at the corners.

Much of the upper storey and the interior were rebuilt after a significant fire that occurred shortly before 1674. The surviving sections of the building display blue brick diapering. The south front features seven Dutch gables topped with pediments, with three on the central block and two on each side wing. The mansion has two storeys and attics; the central block contains five windows, while each side wing has four windows. These windows are mullioned and transomed casements with glazing bars and small panes. The ground storey includes eight-light windows with moulded architraves and pediments, as well as two corner square bay windows. The side wings have central six-panel doors with moulded architraves, pediments, and small bullseye windows above the pediments.

The west front dates from the 18th century, likely after 1732 when the Fonnereau family acquired the property. A panel in a gable on this front is dated 1764. The windows here are arranged irregularly and are mainly double-hung sashes with glazing bars, with two being oriel bays. There is also an eight-panel door with a rectangular fanlight featuring glazing bars, a moulded architrave, and a cornice. An east front wing extends with two Dutch gables. Inside, the mansion contains panelling and fireplaces from the 1674/75 reconstruction. It is currently used as a museum, showcasing several framed structures from other parts of the town that have been re-erected within.