CHRISTCHURCH 

The Priory

The Draper Chantry

The Draper Chantry was built for John Draper who was elected Prior in 1520.  He was the last Prior and had to surrender the Priory and everything that went with it, including the colossal income of £539 per year, to Henry VIII in 1539.  It was he who persuaded the King not to damage the Priory and to convert it into the parish church and it is therefore he we must thank for saving this magnificent building.  He was originally buried in front of the nave altar, but was moved in front of his chantry in 1840.  The chantry is now used as the priests' robing vestry.