Royal Garrison Church, Old Portsmouth, picture special | Nostalgia

Royal Garrison Church, in Penny Street, Old Portsmouth, was built about 1212 by the Bishop of Winchester as part of a hospital and hostel for pilgrims.
By Chris Owen
Published 6th Aug 2020, 16:01 BST
A pile of cannonballs found in the area surrounding the Royal Garrison Church that were used in the defence of the town. Picture: Barry Cox collection.A pile of cannonballs found in the area surrounding the Royal Garrison Church that were used in the defence of the town. Picture: Barry Cox collection.
A pile of cannonballs found in the area surrounding the Royal Garrison Church that were used in the defence of the town. Picture: Barry Cox collection.

Used as an ammunition store after the Reformation, it became part of the governor of Portsmouth’s house during Elizabeth I’s reign.

The church was restored in the 19th century​​​​​​​ and although the nave was badly damaged in a 1941 firebomb raid on Portsmouth by the Luftwaffe, the chancel is still roofed and furnished.

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It has been a place of worship for the armed forces since the 1580s.

Royal Garrison Church, Portsmouth.Royal Garrison Church, Portsmouth.
Royal Garrison Church, Portsmouth.

To see more pictures of this landmark church click here.

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Related topics:Old PortsmouthWinchester

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