Platform, The - Sotonopedia

This name is now given to the district immediately east and south east of God's House Gate. It has a long history, originally built in the 13th century as a quay for God's House Hospital. In the 17th century it was extended and strengthened, becoming an important part of the town's defences, with a battery of cannon mounted on carriages. In the 18th century, as the threat of invasion receded, the guns were replaced with a saluting battery, and to these were eventually added guns captured at the siege of Sebastopol in the Crimean War. The drive and promenade constituted an attractive amenity in Regency times and was a popular venue for walks. With the building of the docks in the 19th century, the Platform no longer looked out over the waterfront and its popularity declined.

Platform, The