History Of Portsmouth
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Vacations.
History of Portsmouth
Overview
Portsmouth is considered to have been founded in 1180 by John of Gisors, although settlements existed in the area long before, dating back to Roman times. These early communities were often offshoots of Portchester. John of Gisors purchased the manor of Buckland, utilizing the protected harbor as a safe haven for his merchant ships, making it an ideal location for trade with Normandy.
The Medieval Era
In 1194, King Richard I returned from captivity in Austria and established a fleet and army in Portsmouth, having taken control from John of Gisors. On May 2, 1194, King Richard granted Portsmouth its first Royal Charter, allowing it to hold an annual fifteen-day market and providing tax exemptions for local spending.
In 1200, King John issued another charter, reaffirming Portsmouth's rights and privileges. This led to the establishment of a permanent naval base as part of King John’s plans to invade Normandy. The first docks in Portsmouth began construction in 1212. Throughout the 13th century, the city served as a key base for Henry III and Edward I in their campaigns against France.
The 14th Century
The 14th century was turbulent, with Portsmouth being invaded by the French four times. In 1338, they entered the docks under English flags. The city was also hit by the Black Death ten years later. Further attacks occurred in 1369, 1377, and 1380, hindering recovery efforts.
The 15th and 16th Centuries
In 1418, Henry V initiated the construction of a wooden Round Tower at the harbor's entrance, completed in 1426. During Henry VIII’s reign, the Round Tower was rebuilt with stone, and the country's first dry dock was established. The fort of Southsea Castle was constructed in 1527 using funds from the dissolution of monasteries. In 1545, Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, sank near Southsea Castle, resulting in the loss of over 500 lives.
The 18th and 19th Centuries
Frequent conflicts, particularly with France, caused the dockyard to thrive in the 18th century, leading to increased trade and prosperity. As Portsmouth and Portsea became overcrowded, housing expanded to areas like Southsea.
In 1805, Admiral Lord Nelson departed from Portsmouth to lead the fleet that would triumph at Trafalgar. From 1808, the Royal Navy’s West African Squadron operated from here to combat the slave trade.
The 20th Century
Portsmouth’s strategic importance made it a target during World War I, experiencing its first aerial bombardment in 1916 by a zeppelin. The city suffered greatly during World War II, being attacked 67 times from 1940 to 1944, resulting in 930 deaths and numerous injuries.
On June 6, 1944, the D-Day Landings were launched from Southsea Beach and Portsmouth Harbour. To the north, Southwick House served as the headquarters for US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander during D-Day.
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