Round Tower, Broad Street, Fortified tower in Old Portsmouth, England
The Round Tower at Portsmouth Harbor entrance is a fortified structure with thick stone walls built to withstand naval attacks. The circular building sits directly on the water and once controlled who could enter the busy trade harbor.
King Henry V. ordered a wooden tower built between 1418 and 1426 to protect the harbor, which was later rebuilt in stone during the 1490s. This structure became part of England's growing naval defense system.
The tower represents how Portsmouth developed its maritime defenses and shows what mattered to people living here for centuries. The location right at the harbor entrance reveals how the city protected its waters and trade.
The location right at the harbor entrance makes it easy to view the building from outside and enjoy the water views. If you want to go inside, check opening times and access rules in advance.
A chain once stretched from this tower across the harbor entrance and could be raised to block ships from entering. This simple but effective system made Portsmouth one of the best-protected harbors of its time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
