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The strategic importance of Portchester has been recognised since at least the 3rd century when a Roman fort was established on the site of the later castle.
Though it is uncertain exactly when the fort was constructed, coin excavations suggests it was built by Marcus Aurelius Carausius on the instructions of emperor Diocletian between 285 and 290.

It was one of several forts built along the British coast in the period to combat raids by pirates. Portchester was probably a base from which the Classis Britannica, the Roman navy defending Britain, operated.
[6] It is the best preserved Roman fort north of the Alps.
[7] Although the Roman army retreated from Britain in the early 5th century, it is unlikely that the fort was ever completely abandoned, although its use continued on a much smaller scale. A 10th-century hall and tower was discovered within the fort, suggesting it was a high-status residence during the Saxon period. In 904, Portchester came into the possession of Edward the Elder and the fort became a burh to help defend the country against Vikings.
[8] [edit] Medieval castle and palace Portchester's outer bailey with the church as seen from the keepIt is uncertain when the castle was built, although it was probably in the late 11th century. In the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, the manor of Portchester was granted to William Maudit – an associate of William the Conqueror and a powerful magnate – and it was probably he who built Portchester Castle. The form of this early castle is uncertain, although Maudit was probably responsible for creating the inner ward in the north-west corner of the fort. At this point it would probably have been defended by a wooden palisade and a moat, with the pre-existing Roman stone walls of the fort acting as the defence of the outer bailey.

[9] Maudit died in about 1100, and his property passed onto his son, Robert Maudit. He died in 1120, and a few years later the family estates came into the hands of William Pont de l'Arche through marriage to Robert Maudit's daughter. Although the castle was still unrecorded in this period, it was probably at this point that it was rebuilt in stone. The evidence for this is that the stonework of the castle is similar to that of St Mary's parish church, which was built in the 1130s in the outer bailey. The church was built for an Augustinian priory that Pont de l'Arche established within the castle in 1128. Other buildings would have been planned for the priory, although almost no trace of them survives. As the community moved to a new site in Southwick some time between 1147 and 1150, the buildings may never have been completed.
[10] William Pont de l'Arche probably retained possession of Portchester Castle until his death in 1148, although who inherited it is uncertain. It may have passed to William Maudit, a descendant of the Maudit who most likely founded the castle, or Henry Maudit, William de l'Arche's son. The earliest extant reference to the castle is in as grant from 1153 in which Henry Plantagenet, later King Henry II granted the castle to Henry Maudit. Regardless when Henry ascended to the throne in 1154, he took over possession of Portchester Castle. It would remain in royal control for several centuries.
[10] More records survive from the castle's period as a royal fortress than the previous period; the Pipe Rolls, royals accounts, provide details of the castle's condition and structure. For instance, as only small sums were spent on the keep during the royal tenure, it is assumed that it was largely complete, and in 1183 the Rolls record that there were a royal apartments Castle separate from the keep. Henry II regularly vistiied Porthcesheter, and it featured in his dispute with Thomas Becket. It was here that Henry met with the Bishop of Évreux who talked on Becket's behalf.
[12] The castle was also used as a prison for important people, such as the Earl of Leicester. When Henry II's sons rebelled against him with the support of some leading barons in the Revolt of 1173–1174, Portchester was made ready for war. Catapults were made prepared to defend the castle, and it was garrisoned with ten knights, although it was later increased to twenty.
[11] King John often stayed at Portchester Castle and was there when he heard of the loss of Normandy in 1204. There was major rebuilding work during the 14th century and Edward III assembled his 15,000 strong army there before leaving for France and victory at the Battle of Crecy. Richard II turned the castle into a magnificent palace, and Henry V spent the night at the castle before travelling to Southampton, thence France and the Battle of Agincourt. He undertook a Fleet Review at Portchester before leaving. [edit] Use as a prison Portchester Castle's keep
After Henry VII founded the Royal Dockyard at Portsmouth, the castle lost its importance. It was last used in the 19th century as a gaol for over 7000 French prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars. Hospital Lane (formerly Seagates Lane), which flanks the western side of the castle, was the location of the prison hospital which survives today as Portchester House, a private residence. Those that died in captivity were often buried in what are now tidal mudflats to the south of the castle, their remains occasionally disturbed by storms. Today Today Portchester Castle is used mainly for recreation: the inner section of the castle accommodates displays and exhibits. The castle is a popular venue for school outings, while the sea front is frequented at high tide by anglers in pursuit of flounders and bass. Portchester Castle is rumoured to be haunted; on one occasion a member of staff claimed to see a horse appear from a wall and then disappear

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