Portsmouth

Portsmouth (pop. 187,900), major port and naval center in southern England. Situated on the English Channel, Portsmouth was founded in the 1100s and became a key shipbuilding city in the 16th century. Shipbuilding and naval activity provide the city with much of its economic base and its busy harbor handles much of the country's import and export trade. Historic sites there include the 12th century cathedral, the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and Lord Nelson's flagship, Victory.

See also: England.