Southsea Castle was one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII.
The castle was built in 1544, as there were fears of a French attack on Portsmouth. It was believed to have been designed by the King himself. Not long after the castle was completed, on 18 July 1545, the French approached Portsmouth after landing on the Isle of Wight.
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Henry VIII sent out his fleet and was at Southsea Castle for the Battle of the Solent. Sadly his much-loved flagship The Mary Rose sank during the battle.
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1. Southsea Castle from the past
Southsea Castle 32 pounder on iron garrison carriage. March 1973
Photo: The News archive
2. Southsea Castle from the past
The floral clock, Southsea Castle 22nd July 1992
Photo: The News archive
4. Southsea Castle from the past
The young pop group, all crewmen from the Russian destroyer Obraztsovy, gave concerts on the grass slopes of Southsea Castle during the holiday weekend, 1976. The News PP5041
Photo: The News archive