Monument MPM2147 - Remains of 19th century defensive works, Southsea Castle

Remains of 19th century defensive works comprising sections of limestone wall to the southeast of Southsea Castle. The remains relate to structures that once formed part of the castles defences.

Remains of 19th century defensive works southeast of Southsea Castle recorded during a watching brief for the Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme.

A 19th century wall [409] on a northwest to southeast alignment butted a 17th century structure [see MPM2146]. This wall was thought to have been a later repair or addition to earlier defences located to the southeast of Southsea Castle that formed part of the castles defences. The surviving section of wall was 4.8m long by 1.2m wide and 0.4m high. The northwestern end had possibly been robbed or removed. The wall had been constructed using ashlar facing with limestone blocks measuring 0.50m x 0.25m x 0.70m.

A curvilinear wall [414] was bonded to the northwestern edge of wall 409 and ran for over 60m on a northeast-southwest alignment following the castle moat. The wall was constructed using limestone blocks of similar dimensions to those used in wall 409. A section of stone revetment was recorded along the northwest face of wall 414 and was thought to be contemporary with 414. Parts of 414 and 415 were clad with a single layer of red tiles which appeared to have suffered storm damage. These walls were also dated to the 19th century.

The remains of the 17th and 19th century defensive structures have been preserved in situ and are protected by the new sea defences.

Williams, Rachel, 2025, Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme Sub-frontage 4, Southsea Castle, Southsea, Hampshire: Archaeological Watching Brief (Unpublished document). SPM671.