Christchurch owes its existence to natural features. The town is surrounded by large wide marshes at the confluence of its two rivers, the Stour and the Avon. This strategic position gave Christchurch its former name Tweoxneam ... 'the town between the rivers'. Its harbour was sheltered by nearby Hengistbury Head, an easily defensible site in more turbulent days, as well as an excellent look-out point. It was not until the 19th century that significant growth began, triggered by the advent of the railway and road improvements. Fortunately, the camera had been invented in time to record the Victorian development of the ancient town and a superb selection of old photographs is skilfully used by the author to illuminate her narrative account of the town's past and to give vivid insight into life in Christchurch up to the outbreak of the Second World War.