Hampshire Travel Guide - Castles
One of Henry VIII's string of coastal defences, Calshot Castle was built in 1539 to protect the western entry to Southampton Water. The castle was badly damaged during the reign of Queen Elizabeth but was repaired at great cost and served as an artillery defence until the early 20th century.
Calshot, Fawley, Hampshire, England, SO45 1BR
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One of Henry VIII's system of coastal forts, completed in 1544, Hurst Castle occupies a position at the end of a long spit of land, projecting into the western end of the Solent. The castle consists of a circular keep with projecting towers, with a large enclosure to the landward side.
Saltgrass Lane, Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, Hampshire, England, SO41 0TP
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Odiham Castle was built in 1207 by King John, one of only 3 royal castles built during his reign. The castle stands in an idyllic location beside the Basingstoke Canal. It was besieged in 1216 by the French, and later passed to the De Montfort family. David II of Scotland was imprisoed at Odiham for 11 years.
Mill Lane, North Warnborough, Hampshire, England, RG29 1HQ
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Heritage Highlight: Unusual early 13th century octagonal shape
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There is a little bit of everything at Portchester Castle; the 9-acre site contains the most complete set of Roman walls in northern Europe and also houses a Saxon fortress and a medieval royal palace.
Church Road, Portchester, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, PO16 9QW
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Heritage Highlight: The most complete Roman fort in northern Europe
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Southsea Castle was built in 1544, possibly to a design by Henry VIII. It was one of the first military forts built with artillery defence in mind. It was from here that Henry watched the Mary Rose capsize and sink during the Battle of the Solent. See the original Tudor defences plus later additions by Charles II and 19th-century alterations including a striking lighthouse.
Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, PO5 3PA
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Heritage Highlight: Built (and designed by) Henry VIII
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Begun under William the Conqueror, only the Great Hall of Henry III (1222-35) survived the Civil War intact. The hall houses a huge Round Table, reputed to be that of King Arthur, though it was recently dated to the 13th century.
The Great Hall, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 8PJ
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Heritage Highlight: Henry III's great hall is a superb building
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Wolvesey Castle is a ruined 12th-century palace built for the powerful Bishops of Winchester. The first building here was a 10th century Saxon chapel, extended by the second Norman bishop, William Giffard, around 1110. Most of the extensive ruins we can see today were added by Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen (1129-1171). From the 14th century Wolvesey was used for state occasions rather than a residence. Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain held their wedding banquet here in 1554.
College Street, Wolvesey, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO23 9NB
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