Portchester Castle is the best-preserved of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ forts. It coveres an area of nearly ten acres and was originally built in the late 3rd century. Its walls still stand to their full 6 metre height.
Originally constructed as a Roman fort, it saw continued use over the next sixteen centuries: it housed a Saxon settlement, became a Norman castle, was transformed into a palace by Richard II and housed troops during the Civil war, and even served as a prison.
The name ‘Portchester’ is derived from the Latin ‘portus’ (harbour) and the Old English ‘ceaster’ (meaning a Roman town or castle).
Now, the castle is managed by English Heritage and an exhibition in the keep interprets the history of Portchester Castle and Portchester village and displays the finds excavated on the site.
