This book tells the story of the Royal Marines in Portsmouth from the date of the occupation of their purpose-built Barracks at Eastney to the recent past when the Barracks were converted to private dwellings and the Officers Mess became the Royal Marines Museum. Unlike previous publications this one describes not only Eastney Barracks and Fort Cumberland but also shows the impact that the presence of the Royal Marines had upon a very large area of Portsmouth and the various contributions that they made to all aspects of local life.The first man to land an aircraft at Portsmouth was a Royal Marine, the development of modern amphibious warfare began at Eastney and Royal Marine Bands provided a large proportion of local entertainment in the days before radio became common-place. As well as the Barracks and Fort Cumberland the Royal Marines built, occupied or used St Andrew's Church, the swimming baths, local schools and playing fields and sports grounds as well as massive gun batteries and large expanses of Southsea sea-front. Written by its own staff this book is profusely illustrated with pictures taken from the huge collection held by the Royal Marines Museum, most previously unpublished. It provides a valuable, interesting and entertaining history of an important, but sometimes overlooked, area of Portsmouth that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the area.Through its chronological layout it also provides the military historian or enthusiast with a history of the development of the Royal Marines, particularly the Royal Marine Artillery, and their weapons, uniform and equipment.