Written by Reginald Frontispiece Ltd
On this day May 2, 1194 King Richard I of England gave Portsmouth its first Royal Charter.
Charters have been used in Europe since medieval times to grant rights and privileges to towns, boroughs and cities.
Portsmouth, built on Portsea Island, was given the status of a self governing entity by the Royal Charter of 1194.
The town was granted permission for an annual fifteen-day free market fair, weekly markets, and a local court to deal with minor matters, and its inhabitants were exempted from paying an annual tax of £18.
King John reaffirmed the rights and privileges awarded by Richard I and established a permanent naval base.
Portsmouth was destined to become from these humble beginnings, by the end of the nineteenth century "the world's greatest naval port"
On June 26, 1897 Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead saw ships formed in two lines seven miles long; made of 170 British ships included 50 battleships.
However, Pompey's status as a city was not established by the crown until 1926, and a further three years was to pass before its motto "Heaven's Light Our Guide" was registered.
Our map of Portsmouth and environs is from 'The Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales' by John Marius Wilson. Published by Fullerton & Co., in 1872.
From the Frontispiece Ltd library, it may be viewed here.