Portchester (Portus Adurni) Castle Fort – Quick Facts

Where

Portsmouth, Hampshire Map & Website

When

• Saxon Shore Fort built in AD 280s – possibly by Marcus Aurelius Carausius, self-proclaimed emperor of Britannia and northern Gaul from AD 286-293.
• Guarded harbour, first against an invasion by Roman Emperor then against raids by Saxons, Jutes and Angles from the continent.
• After Roman withdrawal in the early fifth century, was home to a Saxon community.
• Large Norman keep and castle built in the fort after AD 1066.
• Became Royal residence of Richard II in AD 1390s.
• Occupied until 17^thcentury.
• Prisoner-of-war camp until the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

What Remains

• Most complete fort walls of any Roman fort in Europe. They enclose the entire fort area of 9 acres and stand at their original height, although upper level and parapets are medieval.
• 16 of 20 regularly positioned D-shaped towers still stand along the walls.
• Large Norman keep, moat and inner bailey occupies northwest quarter of fort.
• Later Royal castle built by Richard II attached to Norman keep.
• Medieval church of St. Mary and graveyard occupies southeast quarter of fort.