MICHAEL Forrest will give a talk on the Victorian Defences of Portsmouth at the next Friends of the Willis Museum event.

Michael, who is a member of the Palmerston Forts Society, will discuss the Victorian defences of Portsmouth and the great Portsdown forts and their purpose, construction and history.

The talk will take place at the Willis Museum on Thursday July 16 starting at 7.30pm.

Admission is free to Friends of the Museum.

The talk costs £2 for non-members who should contact the museum on 01256 465902 at least two days in advance to reserve a seat.