List of governors of Portsmouth facts for kids

The Round Tower, Portsmouth was once part of Portsmouth's defenses.

The Governor of Portsmouth was a very important leader in the city of Portsmouth, England. For a long time, from the 1200s until the time of King Henry VIII, the person in charge was called the Constable of Portchester Castle. This castle was a key part of protecting the area.

Later, Portsmouth got its own military leader, known as the Captain or Governor. This person was based in the Square Tower, a strong building put up in Old Portsmouth in 1494. It was built to help protect the growing naval port. You can still see the coats of arms (family symbols) of past Governors on the walls of the Square Tower today.

Around 1540, an old hospital building, the Hospital of St. Nicholas, was changed into the town's military headquarters. The part of it called the Domus Dei, which is now the roofless Royal Garrison Church, became the home of the Captain or Governor. The role of Governor was eventually ended in 1834.

There was also a Lieutenant Governor. This role was held by the top military officer in the South-West District from 1793 to 1865. Then it was held by the General Officer Commanding Southern District from 1865 to 1903. After that, it was the Officer Commanding Portsmouth Defences or Portsmouth Garrison until that job was removed in 1968.

What Was a Governor?

A Governor was like the main military commander and protector of Portsmouth. Their job was to keep the town and its important naval port safe. They oversaw the defenses, soldiers, and general security of the area. It was a very powerful and responsible position.

Early Leaders: Constables of Portchester Castle

Before Portsmouth had its own Governor, the main leader was the Constable of Portchester Castle. This person was in charge of the castle and the surrounding area, including Portsmouth. They were responsible for the castle's defenses and keeping the peace.

Many important people held this role over the centuries. For example, Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel was Constable in the 1300s. Later, in the 1400s, figures like John Talbot, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury and Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury also served. These leaders played a big part in the early history of the region.

Governors of Portsmouth

When Portsmouth grew into a major naval port, it needed its own dedicated leader. This is when the role of Governor began. These Governors were key figures in protecting England's naval power.

The first Captain of Portsmouth was Sir Thomas Spert in 1538. Over the years, many famous people served as Governor. This included important nobles like William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke in the early 1600s. Even Prince James, Duke of York, who later became King, was Governor from 1661 to 1673.

The Governors were responsible for the town's military strength. They made sure the fortifications were strong and the soldiers were ready. Their leadership was vital during times of war and peace. The last Governor was Prince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, who served until the role was ended in 1834.

Lieutenant-Governors of Portsmouth

The Lieutenant-Governor was the second-in-command to the Governor. They helped manage the military forces and defenses of Portsmouth. This role was also held by many notable military officers.

Some of the early Lieutenant-Governors included Sir Thomas Wyndham in 1514. Later, in the 1700s and 1800s, many high-ranking generals served in this position. These included Lieutenant-General Sir Cornelius Cuyler, 1st Baronet and Major-General Sir James Kempt. They played a crucial role in supporting the Governor and ensuring the city's security.

Town Majors of Portsmouth

The Town Major was another important military role in Portsmouth. This officer was responsible for the daily running of the garrison (the military base). They handled things like troop movements, supplies, and discipline within the town's military forces.

This role was active from at least the mid-1700s. Patrick Douglas was the Town Major in 1753. Later, Nathan Ashurst held the position in the early 1800s. The Town Major made sure that the military operations in Portsmouth ran smoothly.

Sources

• Robert Walcott, English Politics in the Early Eighteenth Century (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1956)