List of Governors of Portsmouth

From the 13th Century to the reign of Henry VIII the Governor of Portsmouth was the Constable of Portchester Castle. Since then Portsmouth had its own military Captain or Governor, who was based in the Square Tower built in Old Portsmouth in 1494 as part of the fortifications to protect the rapidly expanding naval port. The Coats of Arms of former Governors of Portsmouth are displayed on the walls of the Square Tower's Lower Hall. In 1540, the Hospital of St. Nicholas, suitably converted and modernised, became the military centre of the town. Its Domus Dei, now the roofless Royal Garrison Church, became the residence of the Captain or Governor.

The Governorship was abolished in 1834 and replaced by a Garrison Commander. That post was abolished in 1968.

The Round Tower, Porstmouth

Constables of the King's Castle at Portchester and Town of Portsmouth

Governors of Portsmouth

Lieutenant-Governors of Portsmouth

Sources

  1. ↑ Markham, Clements R. (1888). The Fighting Veres.
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 7909. p. 2. 10 May 1740.
  3. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 11374. p. 2. 27 July 1773.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 11865. p. 1. 11 April 1778.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 12300. p. 5. 28 May 1782.
  6. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 18319. p. 2. 2 January 1827.
  7. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 13855. p. 64. 6 January 1796.