Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

King James Gate
Hob Uid: 462084
Location : City of Portsmouth Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : SZ6363109997
Summary : The King James town gate constructed in 1687. It was originally situated in Broad Street in the south-west of Portsmouth, close to the seaward defences. The strategic defensive position of Portsmouth for protecting the Channel coast led to the development of a circuit of defences around the town. The 14th century ramparts were strengthened by Henry VIII, and in 1665 Charles II initiated a major programme of reinforcement of the defences, including the building of four gateways, of which King James's Gate was one.The gate was dismantled in circa 1860 and part of the facade was re-erected at the entrance to the United Services Recreation Ground in Burnaby Road in the 20th century. It is constructed from ashlar with a later brick backing. At its centre is a tall round stone arched opening with flanking paired full height Corinthian pilasters. It has 20th century panelled doors. Only part of the south-west demi-bastion remained in situ. Examination of the north-east bastion in the 1980s showed that little remained of it. The south wall of de Gomme's moat was located showing that the gate stood on its own bastion. The gate had a flanking projection to cover the entrance. The gate is in the care of English Heritage.
More information : (SZ 63049930) King James's Gate (GT) (Site of). (1) King James's or Point Gate, erected 1687, (3) has been removed and now forms the entrance to the Officers' Recreation Ground (2). (2-3) (SU 63639997) The stone facade of this gate, bearing the inscription "Jacobvs Secvndvs Rex A Reg III. An Domi 1687" and his Royal Cypher, is now an entrance to the United Services Officers' Recreation Ground. (4) No change. (5) Scheduled. (6) Redevelopment in the area of the east demi-bastion allowed examination of the foundation. Although little remains, there was enough to show the development of the defences since the mid 16th c. A plan (see illus card 3) shows the west demi-bastion (B) and east demi-bastion (A) fronted by the moat wall (C), all part of du Gommes remodelling of the defences. The 17th c castle wall is shown at D. Moat wall (E) probably dates to remodelling in the 1750s. (7) King James's Gate, dated 1687, was originally positioned in Broad Street and demolished circa 1860 before being re-erected in its present position in the early 20th century. It is constructed from ashlar with a later brick backing. At its centre is a tall round stone arched opening with moulded architrave, incised voussoirs with keystone and moulded impost, flanking paired full height Corinthian pilasters, entablature and block parapet projecting over pilasters. Each of the lower flanking wings has a projecting round stone arched opening with keystone, imposts and flanking pilasters, and 20th century 2-leaf 5-panelled door. (8) King James' Gate. Descheduled. The monument includes King James' Gate now located on the east side of BurnabyRoad, Portsmouth. The gate, which is constructed of stone and was originally for pedestrians. It bears the inscription 'Jacobvs Secundvs Rex A Reg III. An Dom 1687'. The gate was originally constructed in 1687 across Broad Street through the town's defences. When the fortifications were demolished in the 1860s it was dismantled and re-erected in the Royal Naval Barracks. It was again dismantled in 1948 when it was moved to Burnaby Street where it forms the entrance to the United Services Officers' recreation ground. In the successive moves the gate lost much of its original superstructure. (9) A brief history and description. (10) The gate was at one time a scheduled monument, however, it was descheduled in 2001; this was due to the fact that the gate had been moved from its original location and it was thought that listing would provide adequate statutory protection. (11)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 25" 1952
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Source Number : 2
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Source details : British Association. 1911. Handbook and Guide to Portsmouth, 42
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Source Number : 11
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Source details : K Cullen (EH staff comment), 17-DEC-2010
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : Map of Old Portsmouth and Dockyard, 1835, in Portsmouth Public Library
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : F1 VJB 12-AUG-55
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Source Number : 5
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Source details : F2 ASP 10-JAN-69
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Source Number : 6
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Source details : Hampshire
Page(s) : 25
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Source Number : 7
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Source details : RT Fox
Page(s) : 38
Figs. : 24, 25
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Vol(s) : 1987

Source Number : 8
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Source details : Portsmouth, 18-MAR-99
Page(s) : 38
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Vol(s) : 744-1

Source Number : 9
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Source details : Apr-01
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Source Number : 10
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Page(s) : 66
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Built in 1687
Monument End Date : 1687
Monument Start Date : 1687
Monument Type : Town Gate
Evidence : Structure, Sub Surface Deposit

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Dismantled c1860
Monument End Date : 1870
Monument Start Date : 1850
Monument Type : Town Gate
Evidence : Structure, Sub Surface Deposit

Monument Period Name : 20th Century
Display Date : Re-erected 1948
Monument End Date : 1948
Monument Start Date : 1948
Monument Type : Town Gate
Evidence : Structure

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (County No.)
External Cross Reference Number : HA 139
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Listed Building List Entry Legacy Uid
External Cross Reference Number : 474322
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (National No.)
External Cross Reference Number : 91031
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : EH Property Number
External Cross Reference Number : 194
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SZ 69 NW 39
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Associated Monuments :
Relationship type : Is referred to by

Associated Monuments :
Relationship type : General association

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1955-08-12
End Date : 1955-08-12

Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1969-01-10
End Date : 1969-01-10

Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1987-01-01
End Date : 1988-12-31

Historic England Research Records

King James Gate