The 17 historical gems you never knew were in Portsmouth - and some you did

Portsmouth is a city rich in history and is a great place to visit - attracting people from far and wide to visit the area’s wealth of history, which has strong ties to the military and especially the Royal Navy.

There are plenty of things to see and do but in the city and its neighbouring town. Some of these you may be aware of but there are also many lesser known attractions that are sure to stimulate your interest.

While you are likely to know about attractions such as the Mary Rose Museum, places such as Southsea Castle, South Parade Pier and Portsmouth Naval Memorial are also locations steeped in history that are popular hotspots visited by thousands of people every year.

But there are also an array of historical gems you may not have heard of or visited. For example, have you heard of the mudlarks? Generations of Portsea children were known for entertaining travellers by retrieving coins they threw into the mud below the bridge to Portsmouth Harbour Station and Gosport Ferry. Statues and information about them can be found near the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

What about Fort Brockhurst in Gosport? One of a number of forts built in the 1850s and 1860s to protect Portsmouth and its vital harbour against a French invasion, it is full of history.

Or The Royal Garrison Church? Built in 1212 by the Bishop of Winchester as a hospital and hostel for pilgrims it is a place worth dropping into during your visit.

There are many other places too. Read on to find out more about the 13 historical gems in and around Portsmouth.

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