Portsmouth's history dates back to around 500 A.D. when Romans set up forts here. The Anglo-Saxons later developed a city that would flourish in the trade industry. The architecture, the culture, the history and everything that encompasses this charming old English town makes for some great reading. Better understanding the area's history will definitely enhance your stay while here. There are many great historical books on Portsmouth and environs as well as helpful tourist guides that aid one to maximize their time in the region.

The following books are great starters to English history:

• " A History of England" by Thomas Babington Macaulay and Hugh Trevor-Roper
• " Jane Austen's: The History of England" by Jane Austen and A. S. Byatt
• "The Oxford History of Britain" by Kenneth O. Morgan

If you are more in search of a guidebook, look into the following:

• " Frommer's Britain's Best-Loved Driving Tours" by British Auto Association
• "Treasures of Britain: The Architectural, Cultural, Historical and Natural History of Britain (AA Guides) ) by Automobile Association (Great Britain), John Julius Norwich, and Automobile Association
• " The Rough Guide to Britain" by Rough Guides
• " Fodor's: Great Britain" by Fodor's