Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a port city in Hampshire, on the South Coast of England. It is located on the small island of Portsea Island, divided from the mainland by a narrow creek, crossed by three road bridges and one railway bridge.This makes it the only island city in England. The island and town overlook a large natural harbour (Portsmouth Harbour), the advantages of which have led to Portsmouth's a long history as a Naval base which continues to this day. Portsmouth was one of the most heavily fortified towns in Britain in the 19th century, with defensive lines created by Lord Palmerstone on the Gosport peninsula and the long ridge of Portsdown Hill to protect the base against a feared French attack. During the Second World War Portsmouth suffered heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe.
Famous ships which can be visited in Portsmouth include HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose. Portsmouth has a Ferry Terminal with regular services to the Isle of Wight in the UK, Cherbourg and Caen in France, and to Bilbao in Spain.
Portsmouth is a polycentric city. The original heart of the town was Old Portsmouth; this is separated by the naval base from the modern commercial heart at Portsea; while a third focal point is the resort area of Southsea. Other districts on Portsea Island include Fratton (where Portsmouth F.C. has its ground, Fratton Park), Kingston, Hilsea and North End. The city boundaries have been extended to incorporate the mainland district of Cosham.
Both the city and its football team are nicknamed 'Pompey'.
The city is notable for being one of only a few cities in England with two cathedrals, the Anglican Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, which are around one mile apart.
Famous natives
- Isambard Kingdom Brunel b.1806
- James Callaghan b.1912
- Charles Dickens b.1812
- Christopher Hitchens b.1949
- Peter Sellers b.1925
