22 striking photos show what Palmerston Road looked like up to 150 years ago
By Steve Deeks
Published 12th May 2020, 16:57 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2023, 17:55 BST
This set of stunning old photos show what Southsea’s Palmerston Road was like up to 150 years ago.
Before the big chains moved in, independent family-run shops were a common sight and trams were more likely to be seen than cars and buses on the surrounding streets.
We have had a look through our archive to find these rarely-seen photos of the street from over the years. Some of the photos date back to the 19th century – as far as 1870.
The crossroads. Looking north from Osborne Road/Palmerston Road crossroads in pre-war Southsea. Smart cars on the left, outside Handley’s. Photo: The News archive
Inside the luxurious Cafe' Royal restaurant. An advert from early last century showing hotels in Southsea and the Cafe’ Royal in Palmerston Road. As can be seen, a luncheon went up from 1/6 to 3/6 ( 8p to 18p) and dinner from 3/6 to 5/- (18p to 25p) Photo: The News archive
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