I made it, finally. Today was a daytrip with the drama kids to Portsmouth, a mariner’s town discussed in this previous post.
Outside the Round Tower, fighting against the wind (the fringe lost today).
It was yet another trip that I did not fully research – all I knew was that I wanted to walk towards the tower (which I’ve learned is called the ‘Spinniker Tower’) and see the waterfront.
Waterfront Portsmouth including the Square Tower
Luckily, Ben consulted his Lonely Planet and learned of an area called ‘The Point’ which is Old Portsmouth and filled with cobbled streets and quaint little houses, not to mention a few pubs. This was our plan- lunch somewhere at the point and then wander around.
The journey begins - Mike watching for interesting scenery as we travel away from London
We caught the train from Clapham Junction and were treated to a two hour ride through lovely countryside including a passby of Arundel and Amberley Castles (note to self: schedule that daytrip to Arundel after all.) Portsmouth is in the county of Hampshire and the train ride took approximately two hours direct from Clapham Junction.
Upon arrival, as we were exiting the Portsmouth and Southsea train station, we discovered that an author very special to Laura’s heart was born in Portsmouth.
Can you figure out who?
Hint: his literature was a big influence in the social reform surrounding children’s roles in workhouses.
What could this be?
Did you figure it out? How about a second clue?
One of his books is partially based in the Shad Thames area of bermondsey near my house. (Jacobs Island).
Laura is excited.
One last clue – Wishbone played a main character – a hungry orphan.
Which way to Dickens' house? Portsmouth is the birthplace of Charles Dickens
You must now know that we visited the birthplace of Charles Dickens. Unfortunately the museum doesn’t open till January 28 so we couldn’t go inside.
Afterwards, we lost ourselves in the circular streets of Portsmouth on our way to the ‘Old Harbour’ but not before passing some beautiful buildings.
Left to right: Portsmouth Guildhall; Assassination!!! George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, was KILLED here. oooooh; another quaint building.
Portsmouth Cathedral
The crocuses were starting to bloom outside the cathedral and there were signs warning not to walk on the grass, but I was careful when I captured this photo. Did you know:
The Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, Portsmouth, commonly known as Portsmouth Cathedral, is the Church of England cathedral of the City of Portsmouth, England and is located in the heart of Old Portsmouth. It is the seat of the Bishop of Portsmouth. The Cathedral stands as a prominent landmark in Portsmouth and can be spotted easily from the air. It is located in old Portsmouth just off of the High Street. When entering and leaving Portsmouth by ship a glimpse of its turrets can be seen. In the Cathedral there is a Navy Aisle where bones recovered from the Mary Rose lay. The stones inscription reads “Here lies a member of the ships company of the Mary Rose”, “May they rest in peace 19th July 1984″.
From Portsmouth Guide.
Next area of interest was the waterfront, which was absolutely lovely, particularly in contrast to the inner ‘meh-ness’ of central Portsmouth. I much preferred the old town. From the Old Portsmouth website:
A tea shop in Old Portsmouth
Old Portsmouth was where Portsmouth started and it now houses many historic buildings. The area of Old Portsmouth is also known as Spice Island which is where all the spices used to enter the city. The area features many historical buildings and features. The old defences are still in place and you can walk along the hot walls, part of the fortifications for the harbour entrance. The area of Old Portsmouth is these days home to the fishermen of Portsmouth.
As we rounded the end of the high street in ‘new’ Portsmouth, we were first greeted with this view…
Waterfront Portsmouth (Royal Garrison Church)
Ben atop the Round Tower
The Royal Garrison Church is the oldest British Garrison Church in the world and has been called “The British Military Cathedral”. But the church dates back to 1212. On the night of 10th January 1941 a fire bomb raid on Portsmouth gutted the Nave of the church but the Chancel was saved by the Verger Mr J Heaton who was assisted by soldiers and airman.
We did not enter the church.
Then we got to explore the fortified wall of the city. (You can see more photos in the slide show below).
According to a local history website, the battlements date back to the time of Edward III and have served several purposes such as residences, magazine storage, and lookouts. They still make good lookouts, as you can see from Ben’s vantage point in the photograph to the right.
They're just pretending to be happy... really they're just HUNGRY!
After a lunch that took up far too much of our time (two hours is too long to serve fish and chips, right?) We made our way over to the Spinnaker Tower and outlet centre where I bought chocolate. My camera battery had died so I don’t have many good photos, but in the slide show below you can see some that I took with my iPhone.
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