18 amazing photos showing what Portsmouth looked like 70 years ago

Ever wondered what it was like to live in Portsmouth in the 1950s?

By Steve Deeks

Published 26th Oct 2020, 16:07 BST

Updated 29th Sep 2023, 12:16 BST

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Judging by the photos in today’s gallery, the pace of life was certainly slower but you can still see how much has changed over the years.

This collection, from The News’ archives, includes a beauty contest at the seafront, HMS Victorious leaving Portsmouth with her new flight deck, and exceptional young cadets at HMS Vernon.

SEE ALSO: 8 of the most haunted places in Portsmouth

We would love to hear memories of growing up in Portsmouth during that time – you can join the conversation on our new Portsmouth Retro Facebook group.

And if you would like to see what the city was like even further back, here is a glimpse of Portsmouth a hundred years ago.

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'Miss Southsea Contest'. Beauty contests were extremely popular in the 1950's and 1960's, this one was took part on South Parade Pier. The News 957-5

1. Memories from our area 70 years ago

'Miss Southsea Contest'. Beauty contests were extremely popular in the 1950's and 1960's, this one was took part on South Parade Pier. The News 957-5 Photo: The News archive

HMS Victorious leaves Portsmouth Harbour some time after 1950, as she has the angled flight deck that was fitted between 1950 and 1958.

2. Memories from our area 70 years ago

HMS Victorious leaves Portsmouth Harbour some time after 1950, as she has the angled flight deck that was fitted between 1950 and 1958. Photo: The News archive

Bob Davis's dad who was a green grocer and Bob looking proud, taken on the corner of Portsmouth Road outside what was then Bennetts Paper shop, the horses name was Joey. Dad looked very smart with a white shirt and tie, with his money bag, I was eight which means this photograph was taken in 1950 says Bob.

3. Memories from our area 70 years ago

Bob Davis's dad who was a green grocer and Bob looking proud, taken on the corner of Portsmouth Road outside what was then Bennetts Paper shop, the horses name was Joey. Dad looked very smart with a white shirt and tie, with his money bag, I was eight which means this photograph was taken in 1950 says Bob. Photo: The News archive

Light Pacific at Cosham. Passing Cosham signal box in 1950 we see a West Country/Battle of Britain class locomotive at the head of a train from the west.

4. Memories from our area 70 years ago

Light Pacific at Cosham. Passing Cosham signal box in 1950 we see a West Country/Battle of Britain class locomotive at the head of a train from the west. Photo: The News archive

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