Explore Portchester Castle
ortchester Castle was a significant fort in Roman times and has remained in good condition because of its continued use over the years. It stands on the shore near Portsmouth harbour and is rectangular in shape. Unlike the other Roman forts on the south coast where silting up of the surrounding land has occurred such as at Pevensey, Portchester has remained near the coastline. In around 1120 Henry I built a medieval castle within the walls of the Roman castle repairing the existing walls, building gates and constructing a large square keep in keeping with the fashion of the time. Extra walls were added in the north-west corner to create an enclosure surrounded by a small moat. In 1133 a small Augustinian Priory was built in the outer bailey and the remains of the church can still be visited. The castle was in a convenient position for royal parties to stay at when preparing to travel across to Normandy and both Henry II and Richard II made improvements to it during their reigns. But Portchester Castle lost its status as an important Royal residence in the reign of King John when the castle was almost destroyed after being captured by the Dauphin Louis in 1217 and Portsmouth became the favoured departure point to Normandy, rather than Portchester.
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Archery Practice at Portchester
Practice your archery skills at Portchester Castle. Once the reconstrution loads either find the practice area or press the 'Y' key.
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