Portsmouth is commonly regarded as having been founded in 1180 by John of Gisors, although there had been settlements in the area since before Roman times, mostly being offshoots of Portchester. John of Gisors purchased the manor of Buckland, whilst the protected harbour gave safe haven to his merchant ships and an ideal location to trade with Normandy.
In 1194, King Richard I returned from being held captive by Duke Leopold V of Austria and set about summoning a fleet and an army to Portsmouth, which he had taken over from John of Gisors.
On May 2 1194, King Richard I gave Portsmouth its first Royal Charter granting permission to hold an annual fifteen day market and exemption from paying the annual tax of 18 a year that could now be spent on local matters.
In 1200 another Charter was issued by King John, reaffirming the rights and privileges awarded by King Richard. Portsmouth was established as a permanent naval base as a result of King Johns desire to invade Normandy. 1212 saw the start of construction on the first docks in Portsmouth.
During the 13th century Portsmouth was commonly used by Henry III and Edward I as a base for attacks on...
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