Thursday 26 January 2012

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.

Monday 23 January 2012

Great Salterns

This area of land on the shore of Langstone Harbour was one of the first of many in Portsmouth to be reclaimed. The area now known as Great Salterns, originally was a huge tidal lake of approximately 1,200 acres, before being reclaimed as early as the 17th century to become a renowned salt manufactury.

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Lack of reptiles

'The salubrity of the air around Portesmouth is evident from the lack of reptiles in the vicinity.'

The Portesmouth, Portsea and Gosport Guide 1799


Thursday 12 January 2012

A lighthouse in the Castle

The lighthouse in Southsea Castle was commissioned by the Admiralty in 1828. It was built on the western gun platform and rises 34 feet above its base at the top of the walls.

It is now in the ownership of Portsmouth City Council and still guides ships through the deep water channel into Portsmouth Harbour.


Sunday 8 January 2012

The Royal George Disaster

In August 1782 the Royal George, veteran of the Naval fleet, was anchored at Spithead to take on supplies before sailing in a mission to relieve Gibralter. She had approximately 1,200 people on board comprising her crew, their wives and children, local merchants and 100-200 'ladies from the Point'. On the morning of the 29 August she was heeled over too far, resulting in water rushing in through her gun ports, and she quickly sunk. Only 255 people were rescued including eleven women and one child.
This was a major national disaster. The majority of the bodies were washed up on the beach in Ryde, Isle of Wight, where they were buried in a mass grave on the shore. This site is now occupied by the streets and properties of Ryde Esplanade and The Strand.

A national appeal was established for the surviving widows and children, many of whom were from Portsmouth.