Portsmouth has been a prominent port in Hampshire for many years. It is home to some famous old ships such as The Mary Rose and HMS Victory. It is the world’s oldest dry dock still in use.
Nowadays it is a major dockyard and base for the Royal Navy. There is also a commercial port serving the continent for freight and passengers.
Portsmouth is thought to have been founded in 1180. It was in 1194 King Richard the Lionheart gave Portsmouth its first Royal Charter giving permission for fairs and markets to be held in the town. Also it allowed a local court and tax exemption, the money of which to used for local matters. The King later built houses and a hall that is now the site of Clarence Barracks.
During the 13th century Portsmouth was used by both Henry III and Edward I as a base for attacks against France.
By the 14th century the port had grown considerably and was being commercially used. Imports included wool, grain, wax and iron but the most trade came from French wines.
During the 1300’s and 1400’s Portsmouth was attacked several times and it was after these attacks the town was fortified by Henry V and Henry VIII.
In 1805 Admiral Nelson sailed from Portsmouth to command a fleet but this proved to be his last commission as he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The town of Portsmouth was bombed in WW1 and WW2 and
large proportion of the town was destroyed. Gradually the town was rebuilt but many of the buildings were controversial in their design and construction. Many of these have been demolished and more recently development has been taking place in the centre and industrial sites. The Spinnaker Tower is now part of the skyline and is situated at Gunwharf Quays. This is a shopping retail outlet on the outskirts of town and houses stores including Peacocks, QS, Primark, H & M, Bhs and Next. There is also a cinema and several restaurants serving a variety of food.
There are other shopping areas in the city with other major stores along with many smaller shops.
Portsmouth is the second most populated place in the UK after Inner London.
It is home to a university and cathedral. Other places of interest include a ‘D’ Day Museum on Clarence Esplanade, Charles Dickens birthplace is in Old Commercial Road and a canoe lake is off South Parade.
Property to rent is always available with average prices of £590 pm for a l bed flat, £800pm for a 2 bed flat and £820pm for a 3 bed flat. Two and three bedroom houses are from £795pm to £895pm.
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