The original Southsea Castle was built in the mid-16th century following Henry VIII’s break with the church of Rome and the increased likelihood of invasion from continental Europe. In order to counter this Henry built a series of castles and keeps around the coast of southern and south-eastern England particularly covering places where an army could land or protecting the anchorages of his ships. There was an extensive series of forts and castles guarding Portsmouth Harbour and Southampton water.
Artists impression of original Southsea castle 1544
Picture showing an attempted French invasion in 1545. Southsea castle can be seen in the foregound
Tudor Gun crew at Southsea Castle
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