Portsmouth Coat of Arms

Portsmouth’s Arms, comprising an azure shield bearing a gold star and crescent, has been used for 800 years. Its history is uncertain but thought to be based on those of Richard I, or his Lord Chancellor, William de Longchamp, who granted the Town's first charter in 1194. The motto "Heaven's Light Our Guide" which was registered in 1929, is that of the Order of the Star of India and of the old Indian troop ships which embarked their passengers at Portsmouth.

Further changes were made to the arms in 1970, when Portsmouth Museums Society sponsored the grant of crest, supporters and heraldic badge. This shows a sea lion and sea unicorn which are maritime version of the Royal Crest and Supporters - a rare privilege reflecting Portsmouth's long association with the Crown. The unicorn wears a naval crown and is wrapped a representation of "The Mighty Chain of Iron", the Tudor defensive boom across Portsmouth Harbour. The crown worn by the sea lion refers to the land defences which surrounded Portsmouth from Elizabethan times to the 1800s.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park was opened on 25 May 1878 on land newly released by the demolition of Portsea’s ramparts, moats and glacis (the gentle slope to the fortifications). It was known as the People’s Park with several rallies having been held in its grounds. The most striking feature however is the many monuments remembering various conflicts in which Portsmouth residents have played their part.

It was designated as a conservation area in 1973 and is registered as a historic park by English Heritage.

Several historic photos are available on the following link:
http://nowportsmouth.co.uk/galleries-and-articles-01/victoria-park-1.html

Portsmouth Block Mills

Established in 1802 by Marc Isambard Brunel, father of Isambard, the world's first mass production line was the Portsmouth Block Mills, which mass produced pulley blocks for rigging on the Royal Navy's ships. At its height Portsmouth Dockyard was the largest industrial site in the world.

To find out more visit the City Museum's No Place Like Pompey exhibition or visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portsmouth_Block_Mills

The Making of a City

In 1926 Portsmouth was granted city status following a long campaign by the borough council. The application was made on the grounds that Portsmouth was the "first naval port of the kingdom". Two years later the city received the further honour of a lord mayoralty.

Why Pompey?

One suggestion for the city's nickname Pompey is thought to have derived from shipping entering Portsmouth harbour making an entry in their logs as Pom. P. in reference to Portsmouth Point. Navigational charts use this abbreviation.

There are many other suggestions for the name.