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Tucked just off Christchurch High Street, Saxon Square is more than a shopping centre – it’s the latest chapter in a story that began over a thousand years ago.
A modern square with Saxon roots
Christchurch began life as a Saxon settlement, known in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as Tweoxneam – “between the rivers” – reflecting its strategic position between the Avon and the Stour. By the late 9th century, King Alfred the Great considered the town important enough to fortify as a burh, protecting trade, worship and daily life behind defensive walls.
Saxon Square takes its name from this early history. Today’s open-air courtyard, lined with shops, cafés and places to stay, sits within the same historic town layout and continues Christchurch’s long tradition as a place where people come together to trade, meet and celebrate.
From market ground to town square
For centuries, Christchurch has been a market town. A weekly market was first granted in 1149 and, in more recent times, stalls were held in a car park beside the Town Hall – on the land that would eventually become Saxon Square.
In the early 20th century, this area was home to a technical school which later housed the council chamber. As Christchurch grew and new civic offices opened in Bridge Street in 1980, the old buildings became surplus to requirements. They were cleared in stages to make way for a new town-centre precinct, and in the early 1980s Saxon Square was created as part of a wider programme of town-centre regeneration.
The new open-air square significantly increased Christchurch’s retail space and helped establish the town as one of Dorset’s key shopping destinations, while still feeling intimate and human in scale.
From market ground to town square
For centuries, Christchurch has been a market town. A weekly market was first granted in 1149 and, in more recent times, stalls were held in a car park beside the Town Hall – on the land that would eventually become Saxon Square.
In the early 20th century, this area was home to a technical school which later housed the council chamber. As Christchurch grew and new civic offices opened in Bridge Street in 1980, the old buildings became surplus to requirements. They were cleared in stages to make way for a new town-centre precinct, and in the early 1980s Saxon Square was created as part of a wider programme of town-centre regeneration.
The new open-air square significantly increased Christchurch’s retail space and helped establish the town as one of Dorset’s key shopping destinations, while still feeling intimate and human in scale.
The Mayor’s Parlour – our historic neighbour
Overlooking Saxon Square is the Grade II listed Old Town Hall, now home to the Mayor’s Parlour. Built originally as a market hall in 1746 and carefully moved, brick by brick, to its current position in the 19th century, it’s a striking example of Georgian civic architecture, with its arcaded ground floor, elegant Venetian window and distinctive cupola.
For generations this building was the centre of local government life – housing the borough council and, later, Christchurch Town Council. Recent restoration works have ensured the Mayor’s Parlour remains a proud focal point for the town, providing a historic backdrop to the everyday life of Saxon Square below.
The Saxon Cross
At the heart of the square stands the Saxon Cross, carved from granite in the early 1980s by Cornish sculptor Morley Eathorne. Commissioned as part of the redevelopment, it’s a modern reminder of Christchurch’s Saxon origins and a popular meeting point for visitors and locals alike.
The Saxon Cross
At the heart of the square stands the Saxon Cross, carved from granite in the early 1980s by Cornish sculptor Morley Eathorne. Commissioned as part of the redevelopment, it’s a modern reminder of Christchurch’s Saxon origins and a popular meeting point for visitors and locals alike.
Markets, festivals and a living town centre
Saxon Square continues Christchurch’s long association with markets and street life. The square regularly hosts specialist markets, seasonal events and community activities – including the much-loved Living Advent Calendar, which brings music, performance and Christmas cheer to the square each December.
Saxon Square today
Today, Saxon Square brings together:
• National retailers alongside independent boutiques, jewellers and health-food specialists
• Cafés, restaurants and takeaways – perfect for a quick coffee, lunch with friends or unashamed people-watching
• Essential services, including a post office, a 24-hour gym, beauty and wellbeing businesses, professional services and a hotel
We’re also part of the official Christchurch Cultural Trail, making the square a natural pause-point for visitors exploring the town’s historic streets, priory and quay.
Looking ahead
From Saxon stronghold to Georgian market hall, from technical school to modern retail square, this small patch of Christchurch has constantly evolved to serve the town. Saxon Square is proud to carry that story forward – supporting local businesses, providing everyday essentials for residents, and welcoming visitors to discover everything Christchurch has to offer.