Half of the 14th century town walls remain, along with the 4 towers. The Norman castle that was started by 1150 and was then built
up as a shell keep on a large motte in the 12th & 14th centuries on the western
side of the town has vanished apart from sections of outer defences and a
reduced mound. It was allowed to fall into ruin in the 17th century and its
stone was used in the 19th century to build a mock Gothic castle, although this
only stood for 17 years. The main entrance to the town, the Bargate (left), still stands.
Open.
Photos Charles Taylor
Directions
Bargate is in the centre of Southampton, the walls are by the river.