Old Hampshire Mapped
Cox's Hampshire
Transcription (53)navy
Royal Navy
Charles II
fortifications
shipyard
Ernley, Edward, Sir
Wager, Charles, Sir
soldier
sailor
de Querovalle, Madam
Petersfield, Baroness of
Fareham, Countess of
Portsmouth, Dutchess of
Since the late wars, this Port, which has been the constant Rendezvous of the Grand Fleet, and the Squadrons for Convoys of Merchants Ships, homeward and outward bound, and up and down the Chanel, is so encreased and enriched, that those that knew and saw it fifty Years ago, would not know it in its present Condition, every Thing being altered so much for the better, as to the Multitude of Inhabitants, the Extent, Strength and Magnificence of the Land Fortifications, as well as Things belonging to the Sea, which is in great Part owing to the Bounty and Encouragement of King Charles II. for
The Works here are numerous and regular, according to the modern Improvements in Fortifications; so that now it is reckoned among the principal Chambers of the Kingdom, for the laying up of the Royal Navy, as being furnished on the Shore with Docks wet and dry, Store houses, Rope yards, Materials, and Requisites of all kinds for Building, Repairing, Rigging, Arming, Victualling, and compleat fitting to Sea, Ships of the biggest Rates, as well as smaller. It has also Dwelling houses and ample Accommodations for a Commissioner, and all the subordinate Officers, and Master Artisans, needful for the constant attending upon the Navy Royal, both in Peace and War.
The Civil Government of this Corporation is by a Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, Bailiffs, and Common Council. It sends two Burgesses to Parliament, which are in this present Session Sir Edward Ernley Knt. and Sir Charles Wager Knt. It hath two Markets weekly, on Thursday and Saturday; but provisions, tho' the Country about it is very fruitful, are very dear, by reason of the great Concourse of Land and Sea Officers, Soldiers and Seamen, which are always crowding hither, which makes the Place as unpleasant for Strangers and Travellers to take up their Abode in, as it is delightful to take a transient Survey of.
The Town lies low, and so the Air is neither wholesome, nor Streets cleanly, but Profit and Business dispenses with such small Inconveniences. 'Tis seventy three Miles from London, and lies in 50 Degrees, 49 Minutes of Northern Latitude. One of its greatest Disadvantages is, that it wants fresh Water; otherwise 'tis a most important Place, being a Nursery for Seamen, a great Magazine of War, and a Town of great Trade.
We do not find that this Town, tho' always very considerable, did ever give any honorary Title to the Nobility, till King Charles II. created one of his female Favourites Madam Lovise de Querovalle, Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of Fareham, and Dutchess of Portsmouth (for Life) August 6, 1673. She is said to have been a Lady of great Beauty, and 'tis certain she had a great Influence upon that King, but being a zealous Papist, and always endeavouring to advance their Interest, she became obnoxious to the People's Hatred. She came into England with the Princess Henrietta Maria, Dutchess of Orleans, King Charles II.'s Sister, and retired into France at that Prince's Death, she had only one Son by him, viz. Charles Lewis, Duke of Richmond. Near this Place is
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