PORTCHESTER CASTLE

A medieval castle built at the center of an ancient Roman fort. Its ^3rd-century walls, built to defend against Saxon invasions, are of impressive dimensions, and it's rare in Britain to find such well-preserved Roman remains. The medieval building dates back to the Norman Conquest. In 1415, Henry V used it to prepare his campaign against France during the Hundred Years' War. In the ^17th century, the fortifications were used as a prison, and more than 7,000 French soldiers were incarcerated here during the Napoleonic Wars.