Southsea Common

As Southsea started to develop in the late 1700s, the Common was protected by its vicinity to Southsea Castle. The military were adamant that there should remain clear space around the castle which was granted through enclosure of the area in 1785. Development was limited to the north boundary of the enclosed area along a line which remains clear in the buildings facing the Common today.

At this time the Common was rough salt marsh and heathland. It was levelled in 1831 by convict labour.