Thursday 16th April 2026
Members of the Portsmouth Black History Group recently visited Portchester Castle to explore an often-overlooked chapter of local and British history. While the castle is widely recognised for its Roman, Norman and medieval heritage, it also played a significant role during the late 18th century as a prisoner-of-war camp, where more than 2,500 predominantly Black and mixed-race prisoners from the Caribbean were held after being captured during the French Revolutionary Wars.
The visit gave members the opportunity to reflect on this important connection between Portsmouth and the wider history of slavery, colonialism and the fight for freedom. By visiting the site where these men, women and children were imprisoned, the group helped shine a light on a powerful but often forgotten story, recognising the lives and experiences of those whose history form an important part of both the local community and Britain’s shared past.
