A hardy band of sixteen walkers met on a cold windy Sunday afternoon at Southsea Rock Gardens, due to the weather conditions no time was spent looking at the garden itself.
Heading off in a westerly direction along the coast we passed Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII as part of his south coast defences. Then on past the Sealife Centre, War Memorial and many other monuments to wars and battles past, after passing through the fairground we came to the fortifications of Old Portsmouth.
It would have been of interest if we could have got into the Garrison Church, but it was closed until April. It has a long history from when a God's House was founded on the site by the Crusader Bishop of Winchester "Peter de Rupibus" in 1212. The Bishop of Chichester was murdered outside the Church in 1449. Charles II married Catherine of Braganza there in 1662. The Nave was destroyed by a fire bomb in 1941; the place is well worth a visit by those with an interest in history.
Continuing on along the fortification to the Round Tower from on top of which there is an excellent view of Portsmouth harbour and entrance. The tower is a much sought after position by the families of Naval personnel when the ships are leaving or returning from trips overseas.
Next stop lunch break down at street level under the arches out of the cold wind, two late starters caught up with us at this point. Twenty minutes later we set off again through the narrow streets of Old Portsmouth, past the Public Houses to the harbour view point. Onward past the Anglican Cathedral and the house where the Duke of Buckingham was assassinated. Crossing Southsea Common via a path bordered with masses of crocuses "most attractive" we came to the open gardens and the cars, then home for a welcome hot cup of tea.
written by Christine Culley
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page last updated 1 APRIL 1999