History report for May and June 2009.===========================
On Monday 18th May, 18 members enjoyed a tour round Portchester Castle by one of the Portsmouth City Guides, whose enthusiasm and interest in this subject soon rubbed off onto us.
The castle was built in the late 3rd century as one of a chain of forts from the Wash to Southampton Water , as a protection against the Saxon and Frankish raiders on both sides of the Channel. They were placed under the command of a high officer called “Count of the Saxon Shore”, whence they are now commonly known as “Saxon Shore Forts”.
Under Roman occupation Portchester was not always in continuous use, and in 410 when the Romans finally went, it fell into disuse. There is evidence that the Saxons used it from the early 6th century, continuing for some generations. With the re-introduction of Christianity about a century later, several Saxon Shore Forts, including Portchester, made convenient mission-stations with ready made precinct walls.
In 904 King Edward the Elder made it into a fortified township (burghs) within the existing walls, to help provide for the defence of Wessex.
In Norman times Portchester was a convenient enclosure for assembling large forces, especially on their trips to Normandy. During the 12th century Portchester (already 900 years old) was transformed into a Royal Castle, only exceeded in grandeur on the south coast by Dover and Corfe. An Augustinian Priory was established within the walls in 1133 for some time before moving to Southwick.
The castle remained in use in many different ways, and had various improvements done until 1632 when it ceased to be a Royal Castle.
From then until early 19th century it was used on many occasions to house prisoners of war, often in squalid, overcrowded conditions.
In 1926 the heirs placed it in the guardianship of the Department of the Environment, and it is now run by English Heritage.
At our June meeting we talked about our trip, and all the different things that have happened to the castle. It is a tribute to the building skills of the Romans that after 1800 years it is in nearly as good a condition as when it was built.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 20/07/2009 when the topic will be “Follow a House”.
Michael Page.
