ALVERSTOKE, a parish co-extensive with the liberties of Alverstoke and Gosport, in the Fareham division of the county of Southampton, on the western side of Portsmouth harbour. It comprises the town and port of Gosport, a suburb of Portsmouth, and the chapelries and hamlets of Gosport, Forton, Anglesey, Hardway, and Elson.

It is a ancient area of  waterside settlement on the eastern side of the harbour at  Portsmouth  The history of the area of which goes back to the Romans who built a castle fort at Porchester which still stands.

The liberty of ALVERSTOKE, including GOSPORT, is bounded on the east by the waters of Portsmouth Harbour, and on the south by Spithead. In the south-east of the district, between the inlets called Forton Lake and Haslar Lake, stands the populous town of Gosport.

BHOL - The MANOR WAS HELD BY THE MINSTER of WINCHESTER - THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ENGLAND

In 1284, after the priory had transferred Alverstoke to the bishop, the king granted him return of writs in his manor there, and at the same time free warren and freedom from pleas of forest in all his lands.

 Disputes between the bishop and his tenants as to their privileges seem to have arisen in 1461 and again in 1606.  

The bishop or his steward held court-baron and hundred court every three weeks for the tenants of the manor, while twice a year they also held the tourn, the tenants being quit of the sheriff's tourn. 

The courts were occasionally held at the 'Red Lion' in Gosport. 

The bishop also had rights of wreck as lord of the manor, though his claim seems to have been disputed by the lord admiral in 1613. 

The bishop's bailiff or reeve for the manor was always elected in court at Michaelmas,  his chief duty apparently being that of collecting the rents of the tenants.  A constable or beadle was also elected at the same time.