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.
MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Southsea Castle | Clarence Pier and Parade | Eastney Barracks
5. Palmerston Road Southsea
Winston Churchill and The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Dennis Daley touring the Palmerston Road area of Southsea after the blitz of January 1941 Photo: The News archive
6. Palmerston Road Southsea
Handley's Corner, Palmerston Road during the Blitz Photo: The News archive
8. Palmerston Road Southsea
A very old image indeed. The junction of Osborne/Clarendon and Palmerston Roads circa 1870. Photo: The News archive