Portland Castle

Portland Castle lies within the boundaries of Portland Harbour. It was built by King Henry VIII during his reign in 1540. The fortress was built to protect the area again possible attachs from Spain and France. On the opposite shore of the harbour lies Sandsfoot Castle (Weymouth Castle) which was built for the same reason!

It was built using Portland Sone and remains intact even though it is over 450 years old.

During the Civil War Sieges it was used as a jail for enemies of Oliver Cromwell and prisoners.

Captain Charles Mannering made it his private residence during the Victorian Era, Charles is known as the man who built the largest man made breakwater harbour in the world.

During World War One WWI it was used as a seaplane station.

During World War Two WWII it was an embarkation point for the D-Day invasion

English Heritage are now the care takers for the Castle and grounds