Some of the photos in the galley date back as far as 1770 and span 200 years of Portsmouth’s history.
They give a real idea of what life was like on the waters for the Royal Navy in our harbour years ago and includes many navy vessels that of course are long gone now.
There’s a wealth of historic information that is a delight to absorb.
1. Portsmouth harbour in years past
French prizes brought into Portsmouth Harbour after Lord Richard Howe’s victory in the naval Battle of Ushant, or the Glorious First of June, during the French Revolutionary Wars, June 1794. Illustration by Rawlandson. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
2. Portsmouth harbour in years past
A small boat approaching the entrance to Portsmouth harbour, circa 1810. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
3. Portsmouth harbour in years past
Portsmouth Harbour, situated on Portsea Island in Hampshire, circa 1890. (Photo by F. J. Mortimer/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
4. Portsmouth harbour in years past
17th February 1906: The most powerful battleship in the world, the HMS 'Dreadnought' at its launch by the King at Portsmouth. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive