Home

Introduction

Portchester Castle (Latin Portus Adurni - "port at the hill") is situated on the northern end of Portsmouth Harbour close to the town of Portchester. The castle was built during the period 285-290 by Marcus Aurelius Carausius as part of what is now known as the "Saxon Shore Forts". Built of flint and limestone the walls, 6 metres high and 3.2 metres thick, enclose an area of some 36,489 square metres and is the only Roman stronghold in Northern Europe with walls that stand to their full height.

Viewed from the slopes of Ports Down Hill, north of the town of Portchester, the panorama of the Castle, Portsmouth Harbour, and the Solent can be appreciated.