2-649-472 - Historic England/Heritage Images

Portchester Castle, 15th century, (c1960s). Reconstruction drawing of the castle as it might have appeared in the 15th century. A medieval castle built within former Roman fort at Portchester, Hampshire. Probably founded in late 11th century, as a baronial castle taken under royal control in 1154. The monarchy held the castle for several centuries and it was a favoured hunting lodge of King John. It was besieged and captured by the French in 1216 before permanently returning to English control shortly thereafter.