Portsmouth and the surrounding towns were severely shaken by a violent earth quake in January 1834. It came in the early hours and was even felt in Chichester, Emsworth, Havant and Purbrook. Similar tremors had occurred 20 years earlier and in October 1734.

A horse ferry boat was first run across the harbour between Portsmouth and Gosport in 1834. In 1838 a Floating Bridge Company was formed and in May 1840 the first bridge began to run. The first bridge could carry 500 people and 20 carriages.

In 1539 a fort was constructed on the shore at Eastney but it was not until 1860 that barracks were built for the Royal Marine Artillery.

In 1923 they were joined by the Royal Marine Light Infantry from Gosport and the two Corps were amalgamated to form The Royal Marines. The officers building is now the Royal Marines Museum and the barracks are now apartments.