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Portchester Castle History, Photos, Facts and Visitor Information
Updated: Jun 17
Portchester Castle's story is one of adaptation and resilience. From Roman defense to Saxon settlement, royal hunting lodge to wartime prison, this castle has served many purposes throughout its long history. A history which stretches back some 2000 years, making it one of the oldest castles in the UK.
We absolutely love exploring castles and we were really happy to add Portchester Castle to our growing list. Its age and history is fascinating, and it also holds a precious spot right on the coast, which let's be honest, always makes something better! Read on for our highlights, the history of Portchester Castle, interesting facts, opening times, tickets prices and more.
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Our Portchester Castle highlights
Believe it or not, but even after five years of being together, and three years of traveling, we have actually only been to a handful of castles in England. That's despite our love for all things history, architecture and road trips! Having spent all of 2023 in Asia, and then the start of 2024 in Canada, we came back to the UK determined to get some more castles under our belts. Starting with Portchester Castle, a fascinatingly well preserved structure with the proud title of being one of the oldest in the entire country!
One of the most intriguing aspects of any castle (in our opinion) are moats and keeps. We are always drawn to them (pardon the pun, drawbridge anyone). Even though most of the times moats are long since devoid of any water, they give an really cool impression of how sever the security situation may have been. Some have them, some don't, but Portchester certainly did. That along with a very impressive keep that despite the giant crack coming down from its side, is still standing tall after nearly 2 centuries.
Portchester Castle certainly has plenty of photo opportunities, be it outside or inside. Access to the keep is chargeable, but if you don't want to do that, wandering the grounds inside, checking out the castle's famous Norman church, and perusing the outside and coastal walk is absolutely free. Unless of course you drive here, in which case the car park will cost you the small sum of £1.50 for an hour. Not too bad really! Of course you are welcome to make a small donation should you so wish, regardless of buying a ticket to the keep.
Portchester Castle is managed by the National Trust, and a particularly nice touch is that you are able to go inside the main gate, and take a look at the inner courtyard for free. The gate itself is in great condition, and once inside you can get a really good feel for how impressive this fortification once was. Typically castles would have had wooden structures inside, long lost to history, but Portchester did feature a good amount of inner stone buildings consisting of rooms and chambers attached to the keep. This clearly demonstrates its importance to King and country.
⪢ St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church, which sits in the far right hand corner of the extensive castle grounds as you walk in, is one of the few remaining functioning Norman Churches. These precious structures have typically been lost over time to looting, degradation or war, but St Mary's stands as a beacon of resilience in the face of numerous challenges over its incredible lifespan.
While keeping the Anglo-Saxon love of round arches and tower-like churches (turriform), the Normans, with their superior masonry skills, built sturdier structures. Their walls were thicker, allowing for wider naves (the main halls where worshippers gathered). Additionally, they employed stronger round arches, often adorned with intricate stone carvings, adding a touch of Norman grandeur to the familiar Anglo-Saxon design. That is what makes the preservation and endurance of St Mary's just so special!
Save for later: One of THE finest in all of England, the historic Arundel Castle
This magnificent castle emanates beauty both inside and out! A true English gem boasting almost a thousand years of history. Will you visit?
The history of Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle isn't your typical medieval fortress. Its story stretches back nearly 2,000 years, encompassing Roman defenses, Saxon settlements, and even a stint as a prisoner-of-war camp. Here's a comprehensive look at the castle's fascinating history:
⪢ Roman Beginnings (3rd Century AD)
Portchester's story starts with the Romans. Facing Saxon raids on the British coast, they constructed a massive stone fort around 300 AD. This impressive structure, one of the most complete Roman forts in northern Europe, formed the core of what would become Portchester Castle. Imagine soldiers patrolling the very walls you'll walk!
⪢ Saxon Transformation (5th Century AD)
As Roman power waned in Britain, the fort became a refuge for Saxon settlers in the 5th century. They adapted the Roman structures, building houses and workshops within the fort's walls. Portchester transitioned from a military base to a bustling Saxon community.
⪢ Medieval Makeover (11th-15th Centuries)
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Portchester entered its medieval phase. A powerful Norman lord, likely William Maudit, built a motte and bailey within the Roman fort, creating the castle's inner ward. This transformed Portchester into a formidable stronghold.
The castle became a favorite haunt of royalty. King John, famous for signing the Magna Carta, used Portchester Castle as a hunting lodge. Imagine jousting tournaments or hunting feasts within these ancient walls! The 12th century also saw the construction of a unique Norman church within the castle grounds, one of the very few to survive intact.
⪢ Royal Hub and Wars (14th-16th Centuries)
Portchester's strategic location made it a crucial embarkation point for English forces crossing the Channel. Notably, King Henry V used the castle to launch his invasion of France in 1415, culminating in the famous victory at Agincourt. The castle walls must have buzzed with activity as soldiers prepared for this historic campaign. The castle also saw its fair share of conflict. In 1216, the French even captured Portchester for a brief period before it was retaken by the English.
⪢ Shifting Purposes (17th-19th Centuries)
By the 17th century, advancements in weaponry rendered Portchester Castle obsolete as a military fortress. It was sold to private ownership and even used as a prison during the 1665 Anglo-Dutch War.
The most fascinating use of the castle came during the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). It became a massive prisoner-of-war camp, housing thousands of captured French soldiers. Interestingly, the prisoners staged theatrical productions within the keep, adding a touch of unexpected culture to the wartime setting.
⪢ Preserved Past (20th Century - Present)
The 20th century saw Portchester Castle come under the care of English Heritage. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to England's rich history. Visitors can explore the Roman fort remains, climb the medieval keep, and visit the well-preserved St Mary's Church.
10 interesting facts about Portchester Castle
1. Roman Remix: Portchester boasts the best-preserved Roman fort in northern Europe, with its walls standing nearly intact since the 3rd century AD! Imagine walking the very same ground patrolled by Roman soldiers nearly 2,000 years ago.
2. Saxon Sanctuary: After Roman rule crumbled, Portchester transformed into a Saxon settlement in the 5th century. The Roman fort walls became a safe haven, housing Saxon homes and workshops within their sturdy embrace.
3. Medieval Makeover: The Normans, following their 1066 conquest, revamped Portchester. A powerful Norman lord built a mighty motte and bailey inside the Roman fort, creating the castle's inner ward and solidifying its defensive capabilities.
4. Royal Playground: King John, the Magna Carta king, had a surprising fondness for Portchester Castle. He used it not for military might, but as a personal hunting lodge. Picture jousting tournaments or grand hunting feasts within these historic walls.
5. Hidden Gem: Tucked away within the castle grounds is a unique 12th-century Norman church. One of the very few to survive intact, it offers a glimpse into medieval religious life alongside the castle's more martial history.
6. French Fries or French Toasts? In a brief but dramatic episode in 1216, the French actually captured Portchester Castle. Luckily for the English, they were swiftly ousted. Perhaps they were just after a hearty English breakfast?
7. Prisoner Paradox: By the 17th century, Portchester's military purpose waned. Ironically, it found new use as a prison, first housing Dutch prisoners of war in the 1660s.
8. Global Garrison: During the Napoleonic Wars, Portchester became a massive prisoner-of-war camp. It housed a staggering number of captured French soldiers, some estimates reaching up to 8,000! Imagine the transformed castle grounds, teeming with prisoners from across the English Channel.
9. Theatrical Turn: Those resourceful French prisoners didn't just sit idle. Records show they even staged theatrical productions within the keep during their confinement, adding a touch of unexpected culture to their wartime experience.
10. Friendly Ghost (Maybe): Local legend whispers of a Roman soldier's ghost haunting the castle grounds. While unsubstantiated, it adds a touch of spooky charm to Portchester's rich history.
Portchester Castle opening times & ticket prices
⪢ Opening times
● 23rd March to 27th October (Daily): 10am to 5pm
● 28th October to 3rd November (Daily): 10am to 4pm
● 4th November to 14th February (Sat- Sun): 10am to 4pm
● 15th February to 23rd February (Daily): 10am to 4pm
● 24th February to 30th March (Sat-Sun): 10am to 4pm
● 24th December to 26th December: CLOSED
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
⪢ Ticket prices
Portchester Castle is managed by English Heritage, who offer an excellent membership scheme which allows you and up to six children to visit over 400 historic sites for free. Find out more about English Heritage membership.
English Heritage is a charity, and by adding a small voluntary donation to your ticket, you can do even more to help keep the story of England alive for future generations. If you’re a UK taxpayer and choose to add the donation, EH get an extra 25p for every pound of the total ticket price through the Gift Aid scheme. If you’d prefer not to donate, please ask for your ticket ‘without donation’.
** Prices are correct at time of writing (April 2024). Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
How to get to Portchester Castle
Portchester Castle is located in a pretty built up area, but is more accessible by car than public transport. Here's how you can get to Portchester Castle:
⪢ Train & bus
There isn't a direct train to Portchester Castle. However, you can take a train to Portsmouth & Southsea station, and then change to a bus to get to Portchester Castle.
From Portsmouth & Southsea station, take the number 64 bus towards Fareham. Get off at the Castle Lane stop, which is a short walk from Portchester Castle. The bus journey takes about 45 minutes, and you can find the bus timetables on the Portsmouth City Council website.
⪢ By car
Portchester Castle is accessible for cars. There is a car park on site, but there is a small charge for parking. It is a pay and display car park and card payments are accepted. You can find more information about accessibility on the English Heritage website.
Address: Church Ln, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9QW
Phone: (+44) 370 333 1181
Our day trip exploring the North Yorkshire Moors – A ride on the Pickering Steam Train to Whitby & Whitby Abbey, England’s Coastal Gem!
Our Portchester Castle experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
We are guessing you wouldn't have got this far into this post if you weren't a fan of castles, and how synonymous they are with British history. There are some 4000 castles remaining in the UK, and we have been to a fair few of them in our time. Where does Portchester Castle rank?
Well it is right up there as one of the oldest built, and we would say it is right up there as one of the most charming too, especially given how close it is to the water. It is very well preserved, especially given the intense activity that occurred here over the years. The church on the grounds is a delight too. Having said all of that, there is not a great deal to do here, and it is a ruin, so with that in mind if you are looking for activities and stately rooms, this is not that castle for you.
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