Building MPM712 - LANDPORT GATE

The Landport Gate was the principle land entrance to Portsmouth (Old Portsmouth) through the line of fortifications which surrounded the town. It was situated within the curtain wall between two bastions (Guy's Bastion and Town Mount Bastion) and directly behind the Landport Ravelin. The gate was accessed from the London Road via two drawbridges which crossed the town moat between the ravelin. The present Baroque Portland Stone gate was built in 1760 and is attributed to Nicholas Hawksmoor. It is the only town gate to survive on its original site.

The first Land Porte gate to be recorded was described by John Leland during the 1540s as having been made of timber and positioned at the North East end of the town, directly to the north of the High Street. This was replaced in 1585 by a 'great bridge' with gate and drawbridge and it is possible that the Land Porte was moved to the location of the present gate at this date.

Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.

Corney, A, 1973, Fortifications in Old Portsmouth - A Guide (Bibliographic reference). SPM388.