Yesterday’s post contained some questions. I said that I would try and get into the library. Well, I did that. I have to confess, that I really didn’t expect to have any success, but as usual, it was a local history enthusiast that really save the day. All of today’s information is courtesy of Joan Russell’s pamphlet from 2004.
First off, I said that I wasn’t sure which bishop of Westminster was associated with Gosport, it was Godfrey De Lucy. Gosport is definitely a poor cousin to other towns, whilst it’s creation was called for in a charter, it is only be location. The Charter granted on the 25th of August 1204 said;
Profits which may reasonably be derived from the village newly built upon the harbour in the manor of Alverstoke
The village, not even by name. King John was attempting to mass his fleet for an invasion of Normandy – which didn’t happen. At the time, there was a manor in the area, the Manor of Alverstoke lorded over by Bishop Henry of Blois.
2004 was the 800th anniversary of the creation of Gosport, Joan Russell wrote her pamphlet as part of the celebrations. I’d really like to get a copy. It has an ISBN Number (0 9524650 5 1), so I should be able to get one, but I had a bit of trouble getting a good response to the search for the publication.
I shall try again.
Bills Posts 