The Miraculous Beam, Christchurch Priory, Hampshire

Fortune, however, favoured Christchurch Priory in Hampshire. Legend and miracles combined to change the ancient name of the town of “Twynham” to the present “Christchurch”. It concerns a mysterious carpenter who appeared when the priory was being built in the 11th century. He took no pay and ate no food.

One evening the carpenters hoisted a beam into place only to find that it had been cut too short. It was lowered to the ground and the problem was pondered overnight. But in the morning it was not only of the correct length but had been fitted perfectly in place. The stranger was never seen again but was believed to be Christ the carpenter.

The priory became known as “Christ’s Church”. “Twynham” eventually disappeared and the magnificent church is known today as Christchurch Priory. The Miraculous Beam was eventually fastened to the roof timbers of the south choir aisle to protect it from pilgrims who were not above slicing off little keepsakes.