Two fortified gateways stand at the heart of Portsmouth’s military heritage. King James’ Gate and Landport Gate are among the oldest surviving structures in the city, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries respectively. King James’ Gate, built during the reign of James I, originally formed part of the town’s defensive walls. Landport Gate, constructed later, served as the principal southern entrance to the fortified town and remains one of Portsmouth’s finest examples of military architecture from that era.
Both gateways are now cared for by English Heritage and remain accessible to visitors interested in Portsmouth’s fortification history. They stand as physical reminders of the city’s importance as a naval stronghold and garrison town. The gates offer insight into how Portsmouth was defended during periods of significant military tension in European history. Today they provide a tangible connection to the centuries when these fortifications played an active role in protecting the harbour and the naval operations that made Portsmouth strategically vital.