Monument MPM186 - 16th century Doorway, Gatcombe House, Hilsea

Possible late-16th century limestone archway/doorway found within a wall (possibly in the grounds) at Gatcombe house during restoration work in the 1980s. As the present house was built in the late-18th century, the stone/archway would have been re-used from an earlier building, although it's place of origin is disputed.

A stone archway was revealed in the courtyard of Gatcombe House during extensive restoration work in 1984/5. It was thought to be late-16th century in date, and it was suggested that the stone for the archway may have been re-used from an earlier building on the site marked on Speed's map of 1611, called 'Little Gatcombe'. It was not thought to be ecclesiastical, as very little church building had taken place during the late-16th century.

The archway was originally discovered during building work in 1877, but had been hidden by a new brick wall, which was removed during the restoration work of the 1980s.

[1]

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A four-centred arched doorway in limestone of late Perpendicular type (c. 1500?). Not believed to be original to site, but brought in from an unknown source - perhaps Southwick. Merely a garden ornament.

[2]

<1> Hampshire County Council, 1986, Archaeology in Hampshire Annual Report for 1984-1985 (Bibliographic reference). SPM194.

<2> Portsmouth City Council, n/a, Portsmouth City SMR Cards, SU60SE11 (Index). SPM1.