Millennium Promenade - Spur Redoubt

Spur Redoubt was built in 1680 by Sir Bernard de Gomme (military engineer to King Charles II) and extended during the 1730s to 1750s. It was a small triangular fort or ‘redoubt’, part of the extended fortifications of Portsmouth town and designed to strengthen the seaward line in front of an exposed corner of the King’s Bastion.

On the landward side is a section of the Old Town fortifications – the Long Curtain, a defensive rampart, and Kings Bastion. Spur Redoubt stood in front of the Long Curtain, its guns ready to repel ships entering the harbour. Access to and from Spur Redoubt into the fortifications was over a narrow bridge across a moat - part of which still exists today.

It is thought that on 14 September 1805, prior to the Battle of Trafalgar, here Vice Admiral Lord Nelson crossed the moat to embark from the beach onto HMS Victory, which was anchored at Spithead.

Nelson’s last walk probably took him through the sallyport – a gateway – in Spur Redoubt.

He was followed by a large crowd who witnessed his last steps on dry land. The ]crowds gathered to shake Nelson’s only hand and it was these scenes that led him to say: "I had their huzzas before, I have their hearts now."

Nelson then boarded the barge that carried him to his waiting ship, HMS Victory, anchored at St Helen’s off the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight.

The Nelson Trail

This trail takes you through parts of the old town of Portsmouth, highlighting places and buildings of interest relating to Vice Admiral Lord Nelson and Portsmouth around the time of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Four interpretation panels along the way provide more detailed information. A self-guided walk leaflet is downloadable from www.visitportsmouth.co.uk.

Funding for Nelson’s Bridge, associated access improvements, relocation of the statue and The Nelson Trail was provided by The Onyx Environmental Trust via Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Partnership.

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