Event/Activity EPM207 - Long Curtain

The north-west end of Long Curtain was returned to its late-19th century appearance as part of an urban-regeneration programme in 1992. Long Curtain had formed part of the seaward defences to Portsmouth town from the c. late-14th century, although evidence of the pre-17th century structure has either been obscured or destroyed by subsequent programmes of rebuilding and strengthening. The area was remodelled during the mid-17th century by Sir Bernard de Gomme, and the surviving structure dates from between the 17th and 20th century. Mid-20th century landscaping, crazy paving and steps were removed, and original 18th-19th century walls repaired. The steps were replaced by ramps and iron railings were erected. The reconstruction work was carried out in accordance with an Ordnance Survey plan of 1865 and photograph which showed how the area would have looked during the 1880s.