Portsmouth Point

History

Historically, the Point lay outside the boundaries of Portsmouth, with access being controlled by various fortifications over the centuries. On the south side military defences protecting the harbour entrance were built.

Civilian building in the area began in 1590 with storehouses of various types. During the 17th century an increasing range of businesses had taken hold in the area with four taverns being recorded by 1610. By the 18th century the point had become a popular destination for sailors on leave from ships moored at Spithead. This resulted in the area becoming notorious for lewd behaviour and was mainly composed of pubs and brothels, and appeared as such in Thomas Rowlandson's etching named after the Point. This etching was also the inspiration for William Walton's musical piece of the same name, written in 1925 for full orchestra.

The advent of steam meant that more ships entered Portsmouth harbour proper and as a result fewer sailors visited the point. The gates that controlled access to the point were removed in the 1860s.

Now the area is part of the desirable and historic city of Portsmouth containing the majority of the remaining early defences of the city and Camber Dock. In 2015, the Land Rover BAR America's Cup race headquarters - now Ineos Team UK - was completed. The nearby Camber Dock still retains a small fishing fleet and a fish market.

A magazine published by the Portsmouth Grammar School is named after the Point.

"Pompey"

The Portsmouth Point name was commonly contracted to Po'm. P. when handwritten in ships logbooks to save time and space, which gave rise to the nickname of "Pompey" for Portsmouth Point. Pompey is also the present day nickname of the city of Portsmouth, the naval base and the professional football club - although there are many alternative theories of the Pompey nickname origin in these three contexts.

Gallery

File:Portsmouth point OS25 inch to mile1858.PNG|A map of the point in the second half of the 19th century File:Portsmouth MMB 65.jpg|A contemporary view of Old Portsmouth (left) and The Point (right)

References

References

1. "Focal point for spicy goings-on of old - Portsmouth News".
2. Patterson, B.H.. (1985). "A Military Heritage A history of Portsmouth and Portsea Town Fortifications". Fort Cumberland & Portsmouth Militaria Society.
3. (1997). "The Spirit of Portsmouth: A history". Phillimore & Co.
4. "Portsmouth Point".