Portsmouth Point

 

Until the removal of the fortifications from the 1860s, Point, a spit of land just inside the harbour entrance, stood outside the fortress town of Portsmouth. It was therefore was not subject to the same laws and regulations, such as curfew, as the residents inside the walls. It was further isolated by a strip of water, part of the moat, which crossed Broad Street cutting it off completely from the town. As a result the area was notorious for debauchery. It was also known as Spice Island which may or may not be a reference to the merchant trade who landed spices here from all over the known world. Access from was gained over a drawbridge and through the King James’ Gate, situated near the Square Tower, which was erected in 1687 and was the oldest stone gate built in Portsmouth.