A History of Portsmouth

Portsmouth's rich history spans over 800 years, shaped by its strategic coastal location. As a vital naval port, the city has played a key role in British military history, particularly during conflicts with the Spanish and French navies and both World Wars. Its maritime heritage is celebrated through iconic landmarks such as the Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. Beyond its naval significance, Portsmouth has a rich cultural history, being the birthplace of Charles Dickens and a thriving commercial hub. Today, it stands as a vibrant city, blending centuries of history with modern development.

Portchester Castle at Portsmouth Harbour

Roman Portsmouth

The Romans were the first to appreciate the sheltered natural harbour at Portsmouth, in around 286 AD Carausius made Portchester at the top of the harbour his naval station.

While Portsmouth itself was not a major Roman settlement, evidence suggests that the wider region, particularly around Portchester, was of strategic importance to the Romans. Portchester Castle, located just north of Portsmouth, was originally a Roman fort known as Portus Adurni. It served as part of the defensive network against Saxon raids. Roman artifacts have also been found in the Portsmouth area, indicating that the region was inhabited and used for trade and military purposes during the Roman period.

Carausius mission was to clear the English Channel of Frankish and Saxon pirates. In 293 AD Carausius, who had declared himself Emperor of Britain, was murdered by Allectus. In 300 AD the Romans built the fortress, Portchester Castle, but by 400 AD the Romans had left the area.

King Alfred

King Alfred the Great, who ruled from 871 to 899 AD, played a crucial role in the early history of Portsmouth. Although there are no records of him directly founding Portsmouth, he is associated with its early development. Alfred is known for his efforts to defend England against Viking invasions, particularly through naval power. He is credited with creating the first form of the English navy, which laid the groundwork for Portsmouth's future as a key naval base.

During Alfred’s reign, he established a series of coastal defenses, known as burhs, to protect against Viking raids. Some historians suggest that Portsmouth, due to its strategic location, may have been an important part of this network. This early focus on maritime defense and shipbuilding contributed to the city’s later rise as a major naval port during the medieval period.

Thus, while King Alfred is not directly tied to the formal founding of Portsmouth, his innovations in naval defence and strategy set the stage for Portsmouth's significance in British naval history.

From the Norman conquest onwards the importance of Portsmouth continues to grow. The Normans developed Portchester Castle further, adding its great keep. Robert, Duke of Normandy, landed at Portsmouth in 1101, intending to invade England. He failed, it is believed that storms prevented the majority of his ships from arriving.

Henry I (1069 - 1135)

King Henry I is believed to have sailed from Portsmouth. In 1135, he departed from Portsmouth to Normandy, a key territory of the English crown at the time. This event is significant as it marks one of the early instances of Portsmouth being used as a royal port. Henry I recognized the strategic importance of Portsmouth’s location on the southern coast of England, which made it ideal for launching voyages across the Channel.

This early use of Portsmouth as a port for royal and military purposes contributed to its later establishment as a major naval base, especially under subsequent monarchs such as Henry VIII.

Richard I (1157 - 1199)

King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, played an important role in the history of Portsmouth. In 1194, he granted Portsmouth its first Royal Charter, which marked the town's formal establishment as a significant port. This charter allowed Portsmouth to hold a market, have a fair, and establish a local court system. The town also gained rights to collect customs duties, solidifying its importance in trade and commerce.

Richard's reign coincided with the rise of Portsmouth as a strategic naval and military base, and his recognition of the town helped lay the foundations for its future development, especially as a hub for the Royal Navy. His charter is a key moment in Portsmouth’s early history and set the stage for its growth as a major port and naval city in England.

King John (1167 - 1216)

King John is an important figure in the history of Portsmouth, he played a crucial role in developing the town as a naval and military base. During his reign (1199-1216), King John recognized Portsmouth's strategic location on the southern coast of England, which was ideal for military operations and trade. To enhance its importance as a port, he invested heavily in the town’s infrastructure.

In 1200, King John granted Portsmouth additional royal charters, further boosting its status. These charters allowed the town to hold fairs, markets, and maintain a royal dockyard, which became central to the Royal Navy's operations. He also ordered the construction of defencive structures, such as a quay and a warehouse, to support military and naval activities.

Moreover, King John frequently used Portsmouth as a departure point for military campaigns, including his expeditions to France. His reign marked a significant phase in Portsmouth's development as a naval stronghold and laid the groundwork for the city's long standing association with the Royal Navy.

Jean de Gisor (1133 - 1220)

Jean de Gisors is often considered the founder of Portsmouth. In 1180, he was a wealthy Norman lord who owned land in southern England, including the area where Portsmouth now stands. Jean de Gisors is credited with establishing the town when he laid out its initial streets and created a small port, recognising the strategic importance of the site.

The land he developed became the foundation for Portsmouth's early growth, particularly due to its ideal location for trade and naval operations. While Portsmouth existed in some form prior to his influence, Jean de Gisors is associated with giving it a more structured layout and formalising its existence as a town. Later, Portsmouth grew significantly under royal influence, especially during the reigns of King John and King Richard, but Jean de Gisors' role is considered pivotal in the town's early history.

Henry III (1216 - 1272)

In 1229, Henry III extended the privileges granted by Richard, Portsmouth is now a town on a par with Winchester and Oxford, this charter established a Merchant Guild in the town. Henry III mustered his army and naval fleet at Portsmouth on three separate occasions for expeditions across the channel.

During the Hundred Years War Portsmouth was used for the embarkation of troops onto ships in the harbour and was often attacked by the French, being destroyed three times in 1337, 1369 and again in 1372. This probably accounts for there being so few buildings surviving from that period.

The fifteenth century was not a good period for Portsmouth. In 1445 Margaret of Anjou landed in the town on her way to marry Henry VI, the ceremony took place at Titchfield Abbey. Margaret played a major part in the Wars of the Roses, fighting to place her son Edward on the throne. In 1449 the starving and mutinous sailors at Portsmouth murdered Bishop Moleyns on Governors Green. The bishop had been sent to try and persuade the sailors to take a cut in their pay. As a punishment for his murder the town was excommunicated until 1508.

Henry VIII (1491 - 1547)

King Henry VIII significantly developed both the defences and the dockyard in Portsmouth. As part of his military strategy, Henry recognised the importance of Portsmouth's position as a naval stronghold. In 1495, Henry VII, Henry VIII's father, had first established a naval dockyard in Portsmouth, but it was under Henry VIII that the town became a major military and naval base.

Henry VIII expanded the Portsmouth dockyard, making it one of the most important in the country, and oversaw the construction of several warships, including the famous Mary Rose, which was launched from Portsmouth in 1511. The dockyard became central to Henry's plan to build a standing navy capable of defending England from European rivals.

Henry also strengthened Portsmouth's defences in anticipation of possible invasions, particularly from France. He constructed a series of fortifications around the harbour, including Southsea Castle in 1544, which still stands today. These fortifications were designed to protect the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour from naval attacks.

Charles I (1600 - 1649)

In 1627 Portsmouth was granted yet another royal charter, by Charles I, laying out the principles of local government, the annual election of the Mayor and the power for the council to make and uphold local bylaws. This charter was supposed to have been surrendered in the reign of Charles II, but by some oversight this failed to happen, so the town reverted to the previous charter of Charles I and this continued to be in force until 1835 when the Municipal Corporations Act was introduced.

During the English Civil War (1642 - 1651) the Governor of Portsmouth, Colonel Goring, supported the king. The town was put under siege by Parliamentary forces for a month until Goring was forced to surrender.

Charles II (1630 - 1685)

Charles II undertook a wide range of improvement works in the area. The building at Gunwharf started, the shores around the harbour were raised and fortifications and defences were strengthened. On May 14th 1662 Catherine of Braganza landed at Portsmouth and was married to Charles II on May 22nd at the Domus Dei, then the governors house. The register of the marriage is held at St Thomas' Cathedral.

In 1668 Peter the Great of Russia visited the town to attend a review of the fleet at Spithead, held in his honor.

Portsmouth's development during the 18th century

During the 18th century, Portsmouth experienced substantial development, largely driven by its expanding role as a naval and military base. The city's importance grew as the Royal Navy rapidly expanded, particularly due to conflicts such as the War of the Spanish Succession, the Seven Years' War, and the Napoleonic Wars. This surge in naval activity necessitated significant growth at Portsmouth's dockyard, which became one of the largest and most important in Britain. The dockyard saw the construction of new dry docks and slipways to accommodate larger ships, and it became a major employer, boosting the local economy.

Portsmouth’s fortifications were also enhanced during this period. New defencive structures, including Fort Cumberland, were built to safeguard the town and its vital harbour from potential invasions, particularly as tensions with European powers intensified.

The rapid expansion of the dockyard and naval base led to a significant increase in Portsmouth's population. The influx of workers required new housing and infrastructure, prompting the development of roads, public services, and other facilities to support the growing community.

Additionally, Portsmouth's economy diversified beyond its naval focus. The port became increasingly active in trade, and commercial ventures flourished. The town's cultural and social life also expanded, with the establishment of various entertainment venues such as taverns and theatres to serve the increasing population.

By the end of the 18th century, Portsmouth had firmly established itself as a crucial naval and military hub, continuing to grow in both economic and strategic importance.

HMS Victory, part of the historic ships collection at Portsmouth Dockyard

Lord Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson, the renowned British naval hero, first came to Portsmouth in 1779. This visit was significant in his early career, as Portsmouth was a major naval base and an important location for his subsequent naval assignments. Nelson's presence in Portsmouth during this period was part of his duties and training as he prepared for a series of important naval campaigns that would establish his reputation as one of Britain’s greatest naval commanders. His career continued to be closely linked with Portsmouth throughout his service, especially given the city's strategic importance in the Royal Navy.

Nelson paid his last visit to Portsmouth on the 14th September 1805, spending the night at the George Inn in the High Street. Such was Nelsons popularity that he had to climb out of the back window of the inn to avoid the crowds, making his way to Southsea beach near Clarence Pier, where he was taken to HMS Victory. Nelson died at the Battle of Trafalgar 21st October 1805, shot by musket fire from the French ship Redoutable.

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens the English novelist and writer, was born in Portsmouth on 7th February 1812, at 1 Mile End Terrace, Landport, Portsea. Many other famous people from all walks of life were born or lived in Portsmouth, you can read about them in our Portsmouth Hall of Fame.

Queen Victoria (1819 - 1901)

Queen Victoria reviewed the first fleet review at Spithead in 1853, to include steam powered naval ships, eleven screw and nine paddle steamers were present. HMS Duke of Wellington, which was armed with 131 guns, 1100 men, 780 horse power and displacing 3,750 tons was the most powerful battleship at the review and at the time, in the world.

As artillery technology advanced and naval guns became ever more powerful and accurate, this in turn drove changes in both the Royal Navy and in the development of Portsmouth. Wooden hulled warships gave way to steel hulled armoured vessels and the old fortifications designed to defend the town of Portsmouth became obsolete. A string of new forts were built along the ridge of Portsdown Hill and in The Solent itself and the decision was made to demolish the town's fortifications in 1860. By 1879 the fortifications had all been demolished, except at the sea front and some around the harbour, changing the look and feel of the town forever.

As the defensive walls around what is now known as Old Portsmouth were removed, the town began to merge into a much larger Portsmouth which had been growing rapidly around it for the last 50 years. The population spread east into Southsea, areas of marshland in Southsea such as the Great Morass were drained in the early 19th century.

Thomas Ellis Owen

The architect and developer Thomas Ellis Owen was instrumental in the development of Southsea building fashionable 'Villa Suburbs' in the Kent Road, Queens Crescent and Merton Road areas.

Further residential development spread north, almost to the edges of the island, swallowing up farms and open spaces along the way. The new town hall (now Portsmouth Guildhall) opened in 1890, the Church of Kingston (St Mary's Church) was built in 1887 with financial support of Mr W.H Smith the First Lord of the Admiralty and the new Municipal College (now part of the University of Portsmouth) was opened in 1908.

In 1926 Portsmouth was granted city status following a long campaign by the Borough Council and in 1928 the city was granted Lord Mayoralty. In 1929 the city council added the motto "Heaven's Light Our Guide" to the Portsmouth Coat of Arms.

The Blitz

Portsmouth was extensively damaged by aerial bombing during the World War II, due to it's military importance. The German bombing campaign known as The Blitz continued from July 1940 until May 1944, three of these attacks being classified as major and many major landmarks were destroyed and thousands of residential homes were destroyed or damaged. Read more detail about the the Blitz in Portsmouth here. 930 people were killed and many more were wounded.

Following the war much of the city's damaged housing stock was demolished and cleared, many displaced residents were moved to new developments such as Paulsgrove and Leigh Park, built on land purchased by the City Council in areas to the north of Portsea Island.

Portsmouth continues to evolve with redevelopments such as the Pompey Centre at Fratton goods yard and Gunwharf Quays at the former HMS Vernon site. Future developments planned include the redevelopment of the retail area to the north of Commercial Road and the regeneration of land in the Tipner area to provide new homes, jobs and green spaces.