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Pictures of Southsea Castle
About Southsea Castle
This is one of the fortresses built around the English coast on the orders of King Henry VIII to protect the country against invaders. Southsea Castle dates to around 1545, and no sooner was the castle completed than Henry's flagship, the Mary-Rose, floundered and sank in the sea water fronting the mighty castle.
The castle led a fairly peaceful existence, the only period of capture recorded came one hundred years after it was built, this was when it fell to Parliamentarian troops during the English Civil War.
Throughout its long history the castle has been strengthened and improved, most latterly was during the 19th century when a tunnel was built to defend the then, castle moat. The moat has long disappeared, but visitors to the castle may explore the tunnel, which gives an idea of what a daunting place it would seem to any would-be invader. The castle has an impressive entrance and many other fine 19th century features are retained.
Today, the castle is a fascinating museum celebrating England's seafaring history and war-time exploits. One of it's greatest treasures is the Overlord Tapestry, 272 ft long and five years in the weaving. This commemorates the D-Day invasion.
Prior to becoming a museum the castle had many other uses. It was used for a time as a military prison and a lighthouse was built there in the 1820's, this is still used by shipping today. In the 1960's the castle was released from military occupation, it was then that it was acquired by Portsmouth City Council to be restored to its former historic appearance and turned into the fine visitor attraction we see today.
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All towns in HampshireComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help| Portsmouth & Southsea Station | (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction N) | | Fratton Station | (1.4 miles, 2.2 km, direction NE) | | Rudmore Roundabout | (2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction N) | | M27 Junction 12 (Portsbridge Roundabout) | (4.1 miles, 6.7 km, direction N) | | Southampton Airport | (16.6 miles, 26.6 km, direction NW) | | Bournemouth Airport | (32.4 miles, 52.2 km, direction W) | | Southsea Castle to London | (65.6 miles, 105.6 km, direction NE) |
Hotels near Southsea Castle | Seacrest Hotel11/12 South Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England (0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
The Seacrest Hotel enjoys a premier position on Southsea's seafront. Southsea boasts a wealth of fascinating and interesting attractions just awaiting your discovery! In a prime position on Portsmou...
More info and book online.. Price from £58.00 |  | Queen's HotelClarence Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England (0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
The Queen's Hotel enjoys superb views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Situated in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Southsea's historic seafront. Many rooms have balconies. The Princess Restaurant, overl...
More info and book online.. Price from £70.00 |  |  Royal Beach HotelSouth Parade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England (0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
In a prime position on the seafront at Southsea, The Royal Beach Hotel is a perfect base to see all of Portsmouth. Our hotel offers superb views across the Solent and excellent facilities for both bus...
More info and book online.. Price from £65.00 |  |  Holiday Inn PortsmouthPembroke Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Hampshire, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
Located near the sea front, within easy access of the M27 motorway, this hotel offers a prime location for exploring Portsmouth's many attractions. Holiday Inn is only a 5 minute walk from the Old ...
More info and book online.. Price from £110.00 |  | Beaufort Hotel71 Festing Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
A warm welcome awaits you at the Beaufort Hotel. The Beaufort Hotel, nestling in the heart of Southsea and only one minutes walk from the sea is a delightful place to stay. Enjoy a relaxed and frien...
More info and book online.. Price from £55.00 |
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