Built in 1544 at the behest of Henry VIII, Southsea Castle has enjoyed a long and healthy life, although it has long since retired from military service. It now maintains its 19th-century appearance thanks to Portsmouth Council.
Henry's ship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank right in front of the castle just before the completion of the building.
The castle has only been under siege once - by Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War. Since its defensive days, the building has been used as a military prison, among other things. Its lighthouse was built in the 1820s and is still in use today.
The castle has only been under siege once - by Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War. Since its defensive days, the building has been used as a military prison, among other things. Its lighthouse was built in the 1820s and is still in use today.