A very interesting building dating originally from the 12th century as a Hospital for the sick and aged people of the town of Portsmouth, later as the Domus Dei (God’s House) it was used as the Governor’s House – the Governor If thecwalled City If Portsmouth was an important servant of the sovereign. King Charles 1st was married here and then later it became the Gasson Church for the Portsmouth Garrison of soldiers.
It was fire-bombed in 1941 losing the roof if the nave although the chancel remains virtually unscathed. Patched up this and the Wall’s of the original nave remain as a permanent monument to the bravery and dedication of the military and civilians who kept the city going through some of the worst bombings outside London.
It is open under the auspices of English Heritage and when it is open the volunteers are very open to questions and allowing you to explore and investigate. I took a young grand daughter with me and she was fascinated by all the ‘behind the scenes’ peeks that a very encouraging lady volunteer showed us.
