Porchester Castle

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.