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Southsea Castle and Castle Field Video

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Associated Web Link: www.southseacastle.co.uk

Transcript Of Narration
Behind the D-Day museum and on the shoreline is Southsea Castle. Southsea Castle was built in 1544 and took less than six months to build. It was built as one of a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII and it is said that the King himself designed the fort. It was not long finished when in 1545 the Mary Rose sank in full view of the castle to the horror of the king.

The castle is situated in a key position guarding the entrance to Portsmouth harbour and this meant that whatever danger threatened Portsmouth the castle was in the front line. During Victorian times it was used as a military prison but its guns still had to be ready for action. It was not until 1960 that the castle was withdrawn from active service and purchased by Portsmouth City Council.

Southsea castle has many exhibitions of interest; it includes a 'Story of Portsmouth Exhibition', A Fort Cumberland Guard Museum, and in the keep is a history of the castle. If you climb to the top of the keep you can get some good views over the Solent and Portsmouth. You also have the opportunity to enter the Counterscarp gallery which was built between 1813 and 1814 and goes round the moat of the castle. The castle also hosts regular events and re-enactments.

Next to Southsea Castle is castle field, which is an open space with flower gardens leading up to Southsea Castle and the East Battery fortifications, located at the edge of castle field, these fortifications give views across the Solent. Castle field is often used for events and shows such as fares and concerts. For more information about Southsea Castle have a look at www.southseacastle.co.uk.