Portland Port is steeped in history and has played a part in some of this country’s most momentous events.

We have published just a few pictures from our archives of the comings and goings at the harbour over the years. If you have any pictures or memories we would love to hear from you.

The Romans valued the area’s strategic importance, and it was here in 789 the Vikings made their first raids on the mainland. Following ongoing conflicts with the French and Spanish over many years, Henry VIII ordered two fortresses to be built-Portland Castle and Sandsfoot Castle-to protect the harbour from invasion.

The Royal Navy fended off the Spanish fleet in the famous Battle of Portland just east of the isle of Portland.

The castle experienced its only fighting action during the English Civil War 1642-1649.

In Victorian times Portland was deemed the country’s most valuable harbour and a breakwater was commissioned to allow the first naval anchorage specifically designed for the new steam navy.

Prince Albert deposited the first stone for the Royal Portland Breakwater in a grand ceremony on Wednesday, 25 July, 1849.

The harbour witnessed the development of the torpedo at Whiteheads factory in Wyke Regis in the late 1890s.

Portland was to play a vital role in both world wars.

One of the most spectacular sights ever witnessed was the gathering of the Grand Fleet in 1914 before it sailed to Scapa Flow.

We will examine its wartime legacy in more detail another time.

* If you have pictures you would like to share please email thedispatch@newsquest.co.uk