Portsmouth City Council City Crest

Camber, Old Portsmouth

The Camber, adjacent to the deep-water channel at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, provided natural protection from bad weather and was probably the main reason for the town's original position in the 12th Century.

For much of its life the Camber remained a typical medieval harbour.  It was only in 1839 that the Portsmouth Camber Improvement Bill led to wharves being built, a swing bridge and a repair slipway beside White Hart Row. 

Associated documents:

Media attachment image  The Camber information sheet  (0.20 MB)
Link 11  ( MB)