Portchester Castle
The Romans first used the area around Portchester as a navel base from which they could patrol the seas for barbarian raiders. After the Romans, Portchester was established as a Saxon settlement from the 5th Century to the end of the 9th Century.
But it was the Normans who first built a castle here in the 12th Century. The stronghold with its proximity to a harbour made it ideal for channel crossings and it was used during the many wars between England and France. Throughout the Hundred Years War, Portchester Castle was used by Henry III to store munitions and it was used by Henry V as his departure point on route to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Portchester Castle was used as a prison during the Civil War and the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can see graffiti dating to these times, while an interactive audio tour outlines the story of the castle.
The main features of Portchester Castle, which can still be seen today, are Ashton’s Tower, dating from the 12th century and named after the constable of the castle, Sir Robert of Ashton. Visitors can also find some of the oldest Roman walls in Europe built in the 3rd Century.
Opening Hours:
| Dates |
Opening Times |
Opening Days |
| 21 Mar - 30 Sep |
10am - 6pm |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| 1 Oct - 31 Mar |
10am - 4pm |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan |
Entree Fees:
Adult: £4.20; Children: £2.10; Concession: £3.40; English Heritage Members: Free; Other: Family Ticket: £10.50
More Visitor Information
