Portchester Castle's remarkable history begins in the 3rd century when the Romans built a fort here to combat attacks by barbarian pirates. In the 5th century it was transformed into a saxon stronghold, or burgh, to protect this part of the coast from Viking raids. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, a castle was built inside the Roman walls. It later became a royal residence. Occupied until the 17th century, it was converted into a prison during the Napoleonic wars. This newly updated guidebook contains a tour of the castle buildings and the Roman fortifications. It also gives a vivid account of the extraordinary history of the castle and its occupants.