Augustinian Priory Founded

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An Augustinian priory was founded within the walls of the Roman fort in 1133. The canons built a church and monastic buildings in the south-east corner of the enclosure. The church of St Mary, which still stands, was built as the priory church. However, the priory found the site cramped and noisy due to the castle garrison and royal visitors, and the community moved to Southwick in about 1145. The church remained as the parish church of Portchester, a role it has held ever since.