Once
upon a time,
before the town of Portsmouth was founded, this coastline was made
up of creeks, low-lying marsh and water. Over the centuries the coastline
has altered, but the town's position here on the south coast, its
proximity to the open sea, coupled with control of the harbour and
its entrance, have secured Portsmouth's place in history as one of
the world's great anchoranges and a rendevouz for British shipping
in times of war for over 800 years
Recent Acquistions : December 2006
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First World War Special Constable's truncheon, used in Portsmouth by Sidney William Wickens (1876-1961). Mr Wickens was born in Portsmouth, son of Isaac Wickens, master butcher, 78 Osborne Road, Southsea. He took over the business from his father. During the First World War he enrolled as a Special Constable. In the Second World War, he and his family were bombed out and moved to Rottingdean in Sussex.
Donated by Miss Joan Wickens
