Portchester - Castle

Portchester Castle was developed within the walls of the Roman fort of Portus Adurni. It was part of the chain of forts on the coast and served as a defence against Germanic raiders and immigrants from the mainland. Portchester was probably also a base for the Classis Britannica, the Roman fleet that was supposed to secure the waters around Britain.


The keep was probably built in the late 11th century and Portchester was taken under royal control in 1154. The monarchy controlled the castle for several centuries. It was besieged and captured by the French in 1216 before permanently returning to English control shortly thereafter.


Occupying a commanding position at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, in the medieval period Portchester was an important port. The castle saw the embarkation for several campaigns to France led by England's kings. In anticipation of a French invasion during the first quarter of the 14th century, Edward II spent £1,100 repairing and reinforcing Portchester Castle. Later in its history, the castle was used as a prison.