OLD PORTSMOUTH
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Panoramic image of Old Portsmouth used with
permission of:- G. M Digital Services (Liss)
gmdesigns@gmdigital.co.uk
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This is the birth place for the City of Portsmouth.
Once known as Spice Island. Why? In the times of the press gang's, Portsmouth was
the main port for the importing of Spice's from the Caribbean. Thus the name.
Portsea Island (Portsmouth) is an Island, what you didn't know
that either, Yes, it is totally surrounded by water be it only a small moat to
the north of the island. To the south of the city lies the Solent, to the north
you enter the south downs whilst east and west you will find
Hayling Island and
Gosport.
Portsmouth gained City status in 1192, it was granted by Richard the Lionheart, we believe, on his way to the Crusades
during his ten year reign as the King of England. The Star and Crescent are
Muslim symbols, and thus he gave the symbols to the City to mark his departure.
In 1587 Sir Walter Raleigh sent settlers from Portsmouth to what
was then Virginia (The Americas), They founded the first British settlement. Now
better known as North Carolina.
This area of Portsmouth is FULL of history, all you need do is
take a walk around and read the information our council and local organizations
have provided.
It is also said that there was once a steel chain running across
the harbour mouth. The Chain links being 3 inches thick and round 3 foot in length.
 You
will soon be able to follow a new chain around the harbour.
This is being set in to the pavement and will take you around
the whole harbour experience, there is talk that it will one day completely
encircle the city.
- The area includes:
- Many old buildings and most of Portsmouth's history is around this area.
- From the old Royal Garrison Church, built in 1212, to the Camber Docks
development built in 1995/6.
- The Square and Round towers of old Portsmouth Sea Defence's are well worth
a visit.
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<- The Round Tower (Side View)
<- The Square Tower (Side View)
- Access:
- BROAD ST off the HIGH
ST. Follow the sign's to Old Portsmouth.
- You can also access both Gosport and the
Isle of Wight via the train station
(Portsmouth and Southsea)
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- Things to do:
- Visit the Royal Garrison Church in Penny Street. Founded in 1212 by
the Bishop de Rupibus.
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- Visit the Portsmouth Cathedral in the High St, Parts built in 1619, and lovingly
restored.
- Eat at the Spice Island Inn.
- Visit the Square Tower (Function Hire 023 9282 7261)
- or the Round tower. Portsmouth's original fortifications.
- Visit the Ramparts.
- Buy fresh fish from one of the fish mongers located in the Camber Docks.
- The area also includes a large number of old buildings and it is well
worth walking around some of the old cobbled streets.
- Take a tour of the Harbour on the Waterbus.
- Visit the OLD Brickwoods 'Spice Island Inn' ale house (pub) situated at the
entrance to the Harbour.
Click on the Images to see a Full Size Photo (640x480)
<- The Old 
<- The New
<- The Camber Docks (as
Was)
The Camber Docks has changed and was redeveloped in 1995/6.
<- Spice Quay. Some of the new Buildings.
-
Visit
The Portsmouth City Bus Museum.
- Parking:
- Hard to find and is £2 for 4 hours. This gives enough time to browse the
many site's and take a bite to eat at one of the many taverns (Pubs).
- Gun Wharf is close by and does have 1500 parking
space's.
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Above is a Map of Old Portsmouth, this only shows the major
roads in the area.
[ Gunwharf ] [ Southsea ] [ Gosport ] [ Isle of Wight ]
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