CHRISTCHURCH 

The Priory

The South Transept

There is a superb organ in a loft above the South Transept.  The first organ was built by Alexander Cumming in 1788 and mounted on the Quire Screen.  In 1848 it was moved to the South Transept and in 1865 Henry 'Father' Willis commenced a number of important improvements.  Further work was undertaken by various organ builders over the years.  In 1994 an opportunity arose to restore the instrument completely to mark the 900th anniversary of the Priory, and following a successful application to the Arts Council for a Lottery Funding, the work was undertaken during 1998.  There are 58 speaking stops and over 4000 pipes.  It can be played from either of two four-manual consoles.  One is in the organ loft, connected by a tracker action and is used for teaching and the other, being fully mobile with an electro-pneumatic action, can be used for services and recitals where the congregation can see the instrument being played.

There is a chapel under the loft.