Formidable Fortifications

It is hard to imagine now that Portsmouth was for centuries surrounded by huge bastions and moats. It was in fact arguably the most fortified settlement in Europe. Portsmouth has through every historical era been of paramount strategic importance leading to the necessity for such strong protection. The earliest surviving fortifications are the Round and Square Towers which were built in 1417 and 1495 respectively and which still guard the harbour mouth today. The fortifications were extensively renovated and extended during the reign of Elizabeth 1 at a cost of £200,000. This enormous sum was partly funded by the first national lottery.