Northern Postern Gate, Portchester Castle, Portchester, Hampshire

This is the Postern Gate or Sally Port as it is sometimes known, viewed from outside the castle walls. It is a small gateway cut through the curtain wall, used primarily as an outlet for counter-attacking forces. It meant that could soldiers defending the castle from inside could still get out to attack the people attacking them. The moat around the castle can also be seen here, with vegetation growing in what remains of it. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2011). Find out more.

Location

Hampshire Portchester

Period

Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)

Tags

gate castle attack defence wall fort medieval (1066 - 1484) sea coast anglo saxon (410 - 1065) keep bailey roman (43 - 409) english heritage