Portchester

The Town

Portchester is on the eastern boundary of Fareham and is a place of great contrasts. Much of the area consists of modern residential and industrial development along either side of the A27 road and the railway, which link Fareham and Portsmouth. This part of Portchester has a railway station, a public library and health centre and a large shopping centre.

Although houses now rise up the lower slopes of Portsdown Hill, the top of the hill is still open and there are excellent views out across the town and Portsmouth Harbour, and in the opposite direction, across the fields and woodlands of rural Hampshire.

Heading out from the centre of Portchester, Castle Street leads to the highly impressive Portchester Castle.

Along the way there are many eighteenth century houses of varying size with much unspoilt character.

The cottage gardens also help to give the air of an old country village. In medieval times the town of Portchester was a borough outside the castle gates and in 1294 it was granted a market and fair.

A market is still held on Wednesdays between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm in Portchester's West Street.

Portchester Castle

Portchester Castle is situated at the edge of Portsmouth Harbour. It is one of the largest Roman 'Saxon Shore' forts which were built to protect the English Channel coast against invaders. The Romans may have known it as 'Portus Adurni' and it was constructed in about AD285-290, probably by Carasius (the rebel Roman ruler of Britain). It is regarded as one of the best preserved Roman fortresses in northern Europe. Its walls are approximately 10 feet thick and were originally 20 feet high. The semi-circular projecting bastions were designed to withstand heavy artillery. During the dark ages it was used as one of King Alfred's strongholds in defence of Wessex.

 

The Normans built a large medieval castle in the north-west angle of the walls, and although now a ruin, it contains a fine Keep which is open to visitors. The stunning views make the climb to the top well worth the effort.

 

The Castle was refortified during the Middle Ages but its importance declined as Portsmouth grew. It was used as a prison camp in the Dutch and Napoleonic wars.

 

It has a number of royal connections:

• Henry II stayed at the Castle in 1163 and housed his treasure in the Keep
• Both King John and Henry III are said to have visited on several occasions
• Edward III used it as his headquarters whilst preparing for the Battle of Crecy
• Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn holidayed there in 1535
• Queen Bess and Charles I were also frequent visitors

Towards the south-east angle of the walls is St Mary's Church, part of a former Augustinian priory (founded in approximately 1128) and now the local parish church. It is a splendid example of the Romanesque style.

 

In the daytime much of the Castle is open free to the public, but there is a small charge to enter the Keep. Throughout the year many festivals and pageants are held inside the grounds.