Portsmouth
Portsmouth (17th century)Shown on an old map by Morden 1695
- settlement, village - fortification - Portesdown Hundred - Hampshire
Period - 1690s-1720s
Shown on an old map by Ogilby 1675
- settlement, town - Hampshire
Gate / PORTSMOUTH
town gate, perhaps Point Gate, later Kings James's gate? sea
Period - 17th century
Portsmouth, at present one of the best Garisons and Sea-port-towns in England, by reason of its commodious scituation, which makes it to be a place exceedingly resorted to by shipping; and is one of the usual places or stations of the Navy Royal, where his Majesty hath his Store-houses, and Docks for the building and equipping his ships; which adds no small benefit to the Town, which is large, well built, very populous, enjoyeth a good trade, and is well provided with all necessaries; amongst which, hath store of courteous women, who are much visited by the hot and eager Sea-men. This Town is seated on the Isle of Portsey ... and being a place of such great concernment, it is exceedingly fortified, having two strong Castles, the one seated on the one side, and called South-castle; and the other on the other, and called North-castle; with other Fortifications and places of strength, the better to secure the ships in the Road or Haven. It is a Town Corporate, governed by several Magistrates, and sendeth Burgesses to Parliament. The Inhabitants of late have found out a Spring of fresh water, which is very serviceable to them; and since the new buildings and pavements to the streets, the Town is esteemed much more healthier. Here are weekly two Markets, on Thursdays and Saturdays, which are very considerable for provisions.
Shown on an old map by Blaeu 1645
- settlement, town - Portesdowne Hundred - Hantshire
Shown on an old map by Simmons 1643
- Hamshire
Period - 1630s-40s
in the S.E. sector of the thumbnail map; 66 miles from London
Shown on an old map by Speed 1611
- settlement, town - Portesdowne Hundred - Hantshire
The place is described in text Camden 1610
- Hantshire
Period - 1600s
... in it [Portsea Island] at the very gullet, or mouth where the sea entreth in, our fore-fathers built a towne and thereupon named it Portsmouth, that is, the mouth of the haven. A place alwaies in time of warre well frequented, otherwise little resort there is to it: as beeing more favourable and better effected to Mars and Neptune, than to Mercurie, that is to warre rather than to Traffique. ... Fortified it is with a wall made of timber and the same well covered over with thicke bankes of earth: fenced with a platforme also or mount of earth in times past on the North-east, nere to the gate: and two block-houses at the entry of the haven made of new heawen stone: Which being by King Edward the fourth begunne, King Henrie the seaventh as the Inhabitants report did finish, and strengthened the towne with a garrison. But in our rememberance, Queene ELIZABETH at her great cost and charges so armed it (as one would say) with new fortifications, as that now there is nothing wanting, that a man would require in a most strong and fenced place. And of the garrison-soldiors some keepe watch and ward both night and day at the gates: others upon the towre of the church, who by the ringing or sound of a bell give warning how many horse or foote are comming, and by putting forth a banner shewe from waht quarter they come.
Shown on an old map by Norden 1607
- settlement, town - fortification - Portesdowne Hundred - Hamshire
Period - 1590s-1600s
Shown on an old map by Keer 1620
- Southampton
