18 amazing photos showing what Portsmouth looked like 70 years ago
By Steve Deeks
Published 26th Oct 2020, 16:07 BST
Updated 29th Aug 2024, 16:00 BST
Ever wondered what it was like to live in Portsmouth in the 1950s?
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.
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.
'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. 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. 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. Photo: The News archive
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