SOUTHAMPTON CASTLE

Hampshire

Southampton for many centuries was the most important port in England.  As such it is full of remnants of fortification and re-fortification.  Whilst the most obvious and striking of these remnants is the spectacular Bargate, a good deal of the City Walls also remain and tucked in amongst them is the remains of Southampton's Castle.

The Castle is remarkable in that it's stonework was started by Richard I - a rarity indeed, although as usual it was John who finished the job.  Richard II had a keep built around the motte, but no trace of keep nor motte remains today, save a slight rise in the ground.  The biggest remainder of the Castle is, unusually, a domestic one...the cellar (pictured above).  There are also remains of the Postern Gate and some walling, plus the footings of a Gatehouse.

A walk around Southampton's City Walls is a recommended way of encountering the Castle.

Back to Castles of Hampshire Page

© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2001