a sea-port town in Hampshire, with one of the most secure and capacious harbours in England, being defended by a numerous artillery, both on the sea and land-side, and very good fortifications. A great part of the royal navy is built here; and here are some of the finest docks, yards, and magazines of naval stores, in Europe. It is seated in the isle of Portsmouth, being surrounded by the sea except on the north side, where there is a river which runs from one arm of it to the other. It is much resorted to an account of the royal navy, whose usual rendezvous is at Spithead, which is at the east end of the isle of Wight, and opposite to Portsmouth. There is a draw-bridge over the river, and it has always a good garrison. It is governed by a mayor, 12 aldermen and burgesses, and sends two members to parliament. It has one church, and two chapels, one in the garrison, and one in the Common, for the use of the dock, and others, besides several meeting-houses of the dissenters. The houses of Portsmouth amount to about 2000, and the inhabitants to about 12,000. W. Long. 1. 6. N. Lat. 50° 48'.

The town is supposed to receive its name from Port, a famous Saxon chieftain, who, A.D. 501, landed here with his two sons. It made a considerable figure in the time of the Saxons; and from the utility of its situation, was highly favoured by all our monarchs of the Norman line. It was incorporated, and became also a parliamentary borough. In the reign of Edward III., it was in a very flourishing state; but, A.D. 1338, in the very same reign, was burned by the French, when that monarch, which was afterwards ratified by king Richard II., forgave the inhabitants a debt, and remitted their fee-farm for 10 years; within which space they recovered themselves, as to equip a squadron, which sailed into the mouth of the Seine, sunk two ships, and brought away a great booty. The singular excellence of its port, and the convenience of fitting out fleets from thence in the time of a French war, induced Edward IV. to think of fortifying it, as he actually, in some measure, did; which fortifications were farther carried on by Richard III. But king Henry VII. was the first who settled a garrison therein; which was increased, and the place made still stronger, in the reign of Henry VIII., who had a great dock there, wherein was built the Henry Grace de Dieu, which was the largest ship in the navy of his time. The same monarch, remarkably attentive to the security of all maritime places, built what is now called South-Sea Castle, for the protection of this. The improvements made here in the reign of queen Elizabeth, were much superior to all these. King Charles II., after his restoration, directed great alterations, established new docks and yards, raised several forts, and fortified them after the modern manner; which works were augmented under his brother's reign. Notwithstanding this, king William directed likewise fresh alterations and additions; and succeeding princes, following his example, have, at a large expense, extended these fortifications, and taken in a vast deal of ground; so that it is at present, as the importance of the place deserves, the most regular fortress in Britain; and, as it cannot be effectually attacked by sea, may be justly esteemed impregnable.