In the first week of June 2024, a merry band of VOS volunteers and service users took a trip to explore ancient Portchester Castle. Overlooking Portsmouth harbour and set in open grounds, the castle is old enough to have seen the likes of Edward III and Richard II. It’s been used as a Roman fortress, a Norman stronghold – and during the Napoleonic Wars, it was even used as a POW camp!
Strong winds and splatterings of rain weren’t enough to put off our team, and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the castle.
Remarkably well-preserved despite dating back to the 3rd Century, Portchester Castle sports an imposing 30 metre Norman keep (perfect for stunning views of the Solent), the remains of a Roman fort (whose walls extend right to the waterfront) and even a Norman church, featuring intricate decorative stonework, beautiful arches and mediaeval inscriptions.
After meeting our guide Bob, the VOS group was led around by three entertaining expert guides, all in costume. Their enthusiasm was infectious and their depth of knowledge certainly made touring the castle worthwhile.
We learned so much as they demonstrated different mediaeval activities and explained all kinds of facts. One of our guides was an expert bowman, who detailed how the longbow was used in its 450-year career – we were also told how the French theatre was created by POWs captured in Napoleonic wars, and what it was like to live, work and fight within the castle.
It was especially interesting to learn who occupied Portchester Castle throughout its lifetime. Apparently, it was used by Norman kings crossing the Channel, and Richard II built a palace inside the castle walls. Ahead of the expedition that led to the Battle of Agincourt, troops embarking from Portsmouth rallied at the castle. It’s seen a lot of history!
We noted that there’s a set of audio tour speakers which provide additional detailed information about the castle and its history if you’re mooching around it on your own.
There was also a great gift shop offering a large selection of books and toys alongside mead wines, luxury jams and chutneys. We were very pleased to learn that you can sample the mead, which was very warming and tasty indeed!
It was a lovely treat, especially with such helpful and informative guides – we’re sincerely thankful to Wendy for organising the trip and to VOS for enabling us to enjoy this outing.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
