Portchester Castle history: 5 things you didn't know
A Roman fort, a king's invasion fleet, burning Dutch prisoners and a theatre built by Napoleonic prisoners.
Portchester Castle began as a Roman Saxon Shore fort in the third century and is described by English Heritage and Wikipedia as the best-preserved Roman fort north of the Alps. Henry V launched his 1415 invasion of France from it.
Portchester Castle began as a Roman fort, and English Heritage and Wikipedia both describe it as the best-preserved Roman fort north of the Alps. It was begun as a Saxon Shore fort in the third century and has been used by kings, monks and prisoners ever since. Here are five stories from its history.
A Roman fort that survived
According to English Heritage and Wikipedia, the fort was begun in the third century as part of the Saxon Shore defences. It is the best-preserved Roman fort north of the Alps, a claim both sources make in those words.
Henry V sets out for France
In 1415 Henry V launched his invasion of France, the Agincourt campaign, from Portchester. During his stay, the Southampton Plot to depose and murder him was uncovered, and the conspirators were executed.
A priory and a fire
An Augustinian priory was founded within the fort in 1128, according to English Heritage. Wikipedia says about 1128, and that it moved to Southwick around 1147 to 1150. In the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1665, about 500 Dutch prisoners were held at the castle. English Heritage confirms the prisoners. Wikipedia adds that they damaged the building by setting it on fire, and we found no second source for the fire.
Up to 8,000 prisoners
During the Napoleonic wars, from 1793 to 1815, Portchester was one of 12 main prisoner-of-war depots. English Heritage says it held up to 8,000 prisoners at once. Wikipedia says over 7,000, so we have used the English Heritage figure and kept the "up to".
A theatre in the keep
In 1810 the prisoners built a full working theatre in the keep. Warwick University's Napoleonic theatre project says it was directed by Jean-François Carré, a former Paris stage technician, with wood supplied by the prison commander. In January 1811 the Hampshire Telegraph said the pantomimes "are not excelled by those performed in London". English Heritage notes that graffiti from the period survives.
The legend of Pontius Pilate
One local legend says that late in his life Pontius Pilate was brought to Portchester by galley as a final refuge. Wikipedia gives this, citing a 1996 book, and we found no other source. It is a legend, and we are not suggesting it is true.
Left out
We kept out Elizabeth I's alleged court at the castle, because the dates looked odd, and a recent item about a stolen plaque, which is news rather than history.
Portchester is a short trip from Waterlooville, and with the castle on your list you now have five stories to tell on the walls.
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