Monument MPM813 - THE LION GATE

Originally the main gateway in the Portsea line of defences built 1778. The gate stood at the eastern end of Queen Street and was removed in 1871 when the defences were demolished. It was later incorporated into the arch of the Semaphore Tower in 1929.

Lion Gate was built in 1778 as the main entrance through the Portsea line of fortifications to the district of Portsea. It originally stood at the eastern end of Queen Street (see MPM377). In 1871 Lion Gate was moved from Queen Street and re-erected as an entrance to the Naval Barracks, although it was subsequently taken down a few years later. The gate was then kept in store until 1929 when it was incorporated into the new Semaphore Tower where it forms part of the west (seaward) arch, known as the 'Gateway to Empire'. The gate has a cornice and pediment with a lion couchant bearing a flag. The following is inscribed on the elevation which faces the harbour 'THE LION GATEWAY PORTSEA BUILT 1778 INCORPORATED IN THE BUILDING IN THE YEAR 1929'.

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

Patterson, B.H., 1987, A Military Heritage A History of Portsmouth & Portsea Town Fortifications (Bibliographic reference). SPM43.

Naval Dockyards Society, 2015, 20th Century Naval Dockyards: Devonport and Portsmouth Characterisation Report (Bibliographic reference). SPM399.