One of the most advanced of the artillery fortresses built by Henry VIII: used as a prison for eminent 17th-century captives, and later strengthened during the 19th and 20th centuries. It commands the narrow entrance to the Solent. Hurst is one of the larger blockhouses, or forts, erected in 1539 round the S. coasts of […]
Christchurch Castle
The remains of Christchurch Castle include parts of the mound-top keep, and more unusually the 12th-century riverside chamber block or ‘Constable’s House’. This very early example of domestic architecture includes a rare Norman chimney. The estuary on the W. end of Christchurch Bay receives the waters of two streams, the Stour and the Avon, both […]
Calshot Castle
Built by Henry VIII in 1539, for over 400 years the Castle remained a fully manned artillery base. Calshot Naval Air Station opened in 1913 and during the First World War, Calshot provided Channel defence and a training base for pilots. In 1929 and 1931, Calshot was the venue of the famous Schneider Cup Trophy […]
Bishop's Waltham Palace
The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and extravagantly appointed. Much of what can be seen today is the work of William Wykeham, who was […]
Basing House
Medieval motte and bailey castle with keep, possibly 12th century in date, converted to a fortified house after 1531, and with 17th century defences. After 1531, the site was redeveloped as a fortified house with the construction of the Old House. This was constructed of brick in English Bond with a entrance via a bridge […]