Millennium Promenade - Saluting Platform

From as early as Roman times, Portsmouth Harbour was vulnerable to attack from the sea. The town was burnt down by the French in the 14th century and by the early 1500s its military significance had grown to the extent that it was necessary to protect the entrance to the harbour with cannons.

The Saluting Platform was originally built in Tudor times to carry bronze and iron guns to protect the harbour entrance. The raised walkway which runs between Spur Redoubt and the Saluting Platform was originally built as a promenade in 1862.

The nearby Victoria Pier was built in 1842 as a landing stage for the steam packet ferry trade to the Isle of Wight and France. In 1861 it lost its popularity with the opening of the grander and more accessible Clarence Pier. Its present structure dates from around 1930.

Main Guard House

Outlined in red brick are the foundations of the town’s main Guard House which was demolished in 1883. The sentries guarding the town’s gates and walls were posted from here.

Royal Garrison Church

The church was built in about 1212 as part of a hospital and hostel for pilgrims. It became part of the governor of Portsmouth’s house in Elizabeth I’s reign.

The church was restored in the 19th century and then badly damaged by bombs in 1941. The nave remains without a roof, but the chancel is still in use.

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