Mark Rutley's Pictures of Portchester Castle

Porchester Castle

Portchester Castle is a medieval castle built within a former Roman fort at Portchester to the east of Fareham in the English county of Hampshire. Probably founded in the late 11th century, Portchester was a baronial castle taken under royal control in 1154. The monarchy controlled the castle for several centuries and it was a favoured hunting lodge of King John. It was besieged and captured by the French in 1216 before being returned to English control. Occupying a commanding position at the head of Portsmouth Harbour, in the medieval period Portchester was an important port. The castle saw the disembarkation for several campaigns to France led by England's kings. In anticipation of a French invasion during the first quarter of the 14th century, Edward II spent £1,100 repairing and reinforcing Portchester Castle. A plot to overthrow Henry V was discovered and the culprits apprehended at Portchester, the event features in Shakespeare's play, Henry V. Later in its history, the castle was used as a prison.

This picture appears in the following picture tours:
English Castles, Portchester Castle, Portchester, Hampshire

Camera Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS 7D

St Mary's Church, Porchester Castle

St Marys church is situated within the grounds of Portchester Castle, overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. Built in the 1120's as an Augustinian Priory, it has been a place of worship for hundreds of years and continues to be so today.

This picture appears in the following picture tours:
Churches, Portchester Castle, Portchester, Hampshire

Camera Make: Canon Model: Canon EOS 7D