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Hilsea Lines is a system of defensive fortifications constructed in Portsmouth, Hampshire, during the English Civil War period, with further development and modification occurring in subsequent centuries. The lines comprise an extensive network of earthwork ramparts, bastions, and ditches designed to protect the important naval and military installations at Portsmouth from potential attack. Originally built in the mid-seventeenth century, the fortifications were significantly strengthened and rebuilt during the nineteenth century as part of wider defensive improvements to the Hampshire coast. The surviving earthworks remain substantially intact and represent an important example of Civil War military engineering adapted and maintained for defensive purposes across multiple historical periods.
Hilsea Lines is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1001861. View the official record →
Hilsea Lines is a system of defensive fortifications constructed in Portsmouth, Hampshire, during the English Civil War period, with further development and modification occurring in subsequent centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1001861.
Hilsea Lines is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1001861.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Fort Cumberland (5.3 km), Eastney forts and perimeter defences of barracks (5.5 km), Portsmouth Garrison church (5.9 km).
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Hilsea Lines