The old Guildhall in 1940, less than a year before it was destroyed during The Blitz Picture: Portsmouth News archiveThe old Guildhall in 1940, less than a year before it was destroyed during The Blitz Picture: Portsmouth News archive
The old Guildhall in 1940, less than a year before it was destroyed during The Blitz Picture: Portsmouth News archive

13 places that were destroyed during WW2 in the Portsmouth area

There were some amazing beautiful buildings in our area that were sadly taken from us by fire or wartime bombings.
Deborah Croker
By Deborah Croker
Published 30th Nov 2021, 12:07 BST

Some of the included in this selection are Hostler’s Wholesale Confectioners that were in Commercial Road, Hall’s windmill that once stood in Waterlooville, the original Guildhall before The Blitz, The Falcon pub in Kings Road, Southsea and the original Thorngate Memorial Hall in Gosport.

Fire at Halls windmill. In June, 1906, Hall's windmill in Waterlooville caught fire destroying it completely. Picture: Paul Costen collection.

1. Damaged or destroyed

Fire at Halls windmill. In June, 1906, Hall's windmill in Waterlooville caught fire destroying it completely. Picture: Paul Costen collection. Photo: The News archive

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This wonderful shot taken from the top of the Square Tower is of the High Street, Old Portsmouth as it looked before the Luftwaffe took its toll. In fact it is taken before the Great War. All the buildings on the left were destroyed and is now part of Cathedral Green. The clocktower of the cathedral can be seen peeking over the rooftops, top left.

2. Damaged or destroyed

This wonderful shot taken from the top of the Square Tower is of the High Street, Old Portsmouth as it looked before the Luftwaffe took its toll. In fact it is taken before the Great War. All the buildings on the left were destroyed and is now part of Cathedral Green. The clocktower of the cathedral can be seen peeking over the rooftops, top left. Photo: The News archive

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Hostlers Wholesale Confectioners which operated at 367 Commercial Road, Portsmouth from the mid-1920s until 1941 when it was destroyed in the blitz

3. Damaged or destroyed

Hostlers Wholesale Confectioners which operated at 367 Commercial Road, Portsmouth from the mid-1920s until 1941 when it was destroyed in the blitz Photo: The News archive

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Jack Cuthbert's dairy in Hyde Park Road which was destroyed in the blitz. Picture: Courtesy of David Warren-Holland

4. Damaged or destroyed

Jack Cuthbert's dairy in Hyde Park Road which was destroyed in the blitz. Picture: Courtesy of David Warren-Holland Photo: The News archive

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