Monument MPM33 - Saluting Platform

Artillery platform originally constructed during the late-15th/early-16th century to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. The platform was largely rebuilt in 1568, and remodelled in 1860. It remained in use until 1960. Archaeological investigations in 1987 revealed a Tudor wall, c. late-17th century wall, and a fire step and gun emplacement dating to 1860. In file B under Fortifications.

Late 15th-16th century. Known as 'The Great Platform' then the 'Saluting Platform'. Used for military purposes until 1960. Section collapsed in Oct 1987 - Archaeological/structural survey undertaken. [1]

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The Saluting Platform, originally known as the 'Great Platform', was constructed at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour during the late-15th or early-16th century as an artillery platform designed to protect the harbour from a seaward attack. The structure was largely rebuilt in 1568 when embrasures (openings in the walls) for cannon were added to the seaward wall and the north and south flanks. The platform probably underwent some repair work post-1585, as it was said to be in an unstable condition by this date. In 1860 the gun emplacements were redesigned and strengthened, and the platform remained in use by the military until the Portsmouth Garrison was disbanded in 1960. The site then passed to Portsmouth City Council.

Excavations carried out ahead of repair work following storm damage in 1987, revealed evidence of the platforms structural development. A wall belonging to the original Tudor sub-structure was encountered approximately 80cms below the modern ground surface. This appeared to be a substantial structure and had been constructed from limestone, probably from Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Most of the facing stone from the seaward side had been lost, but some courses of dressed facing stone remained 'in situ' behind a later wall (c. 17th century).

A c. late-17th century wall abutted the Tudor wall, but had not been joined to it. This wall probably related to De Gomme's remodelling of the town defences during this period. It contained 18th and 19th century repairs and the top three courses of ashlar were of a late-19th century date.

The remains of the firing step and gun positions dating to the remodelling of 1860 were also revealed during the excavations. These consisted of substantial red brick alignments running parallel to the main seaward wall, and a circular brickwork base. The latter represented part of an Armstrong-type gun emplacement.

[2, 3]

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A short linking wall (MPM2142) connects the northwest end of the Long Curtain moat wall (MPM1757) to the Saluting Platform. The wall is shown on Sir Bernard de Gomme's 1688 plans of the remodelled town defences. [4]

<1> Portsmouth City Council, n/a, Portsmouth City SMR Cards (Index). SPM1.

<2> Fox, R, 1991, Portsmouth's Ramparts Revisited (Bibliographic reference). SPM351.

<3> Fox, Russ, 1988, The Platform (Excavation archive). SPM11.

<4> Flood, Grace, 2024, Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme Sub Frontage 1, Southsea, Hampshire: Historic Building Record (Unpublished document). SPM662.