Southwick House

Southwick House is a late Georgian manor house north of Portsmouth, featuring classical architectural elements and symmetrical proportions throughout. The building stands on extensive grounds and currently serves as headquarters for the Defence School of Policing and Guarding.

The house became Allied Command headquarters during World War II, where General Eisenhower coordinated critical decisions for the Normandy invasion. The site remained connected to British defense operations for nearly eight decades after the war ended.

The house maintains a large plywood map used for Operation Neptune, displaying the naval positions during the Normandy invasion planning.

Visitors must arrange appointments in advance by emailing DSPG-HQ-Information@mod.uk, as the site operates as an active military facility. Access may be limited and prior clearance is necessary for any visit.

Inside the house sits a large plywood map created for Operation Neptune that displays naval positions during the planning stages of the Normandy invasion. This map remains a rare artifact of the strategic preparation for one of history's largest military operations.

Location: Southwick and Widley

Inception: 1800

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Website: https://rhqrmp.org/rmp_museum.html

GPS coordinates: 50.87472,-1.10159

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06