 Portchester castle was originally a
Roman fort constructed in the 3rd century AD. The Roman walls still exist to this
day. In 1130 the Normans built
a great tower within these walls. The keep was originally only two storeys high and was
built with stone imported from Caen in France.
After 50 years a further two storeys were
added and 200 years after this Richard II added battlements. Richard II also erected
a building between the gatehouse and the keep known as 'Richard's Palace'. Because
of its strategic position on the south coast several medieval kings spent large sums
improving and maintaining the castle.
Edward I gave the castle first to his
mother and then to his wife.
However, over the years the castle was left
to decay and only parts of the building survive to this day.
The remains of an Augustinian priory chapel
which was built before the castle came into royal ownership can be seen in the
south-eastern part of the castle. |
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Portchester
Castle
Portchester
Castle
