The old Still and West public house at Point, Old Portsmouth. It used to open at 4am, so that fishermen at the fish market could get a drink.The old Still and West public house at Point, Old Portsmouth. It used to open at 4am, so that fishermen at the fish market could get a drink.
The old Still and West public house at Point, Old Portsmouth. It used to open at 4am, so that fishermen at the fish market could get a drink.

28 captivating photos of Spice Island in Portsmouth, when it was known as the Point

By Kelly Brown

Editor

Published 1st May 2020, 18:26 BST
Updated 20th Sep 2023, 12:21 BST
There is so much history to be seen in this fabulous collection of images of how Spice Island used to be, you’ll feel like you have just stepped back in time.

To most people in our city, Portsmouth Point is now known as Spice Island these days, and is a popular destination for a walk or just to enjoy a drink and watch the world – and the harbour – go by.

NOW READ: 25 rarely seen photos of Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth through the years

Years ago men were found there at the Point in Old Portsmouth and forced into Nelson's navy and historic buildings of the time, such as the Still and West, the Spice Island Inn and Point Barracks all feature – and are popular places to visit today.

The images that are credited to The News are available to purchase from our Photosales department.

Be sure to click through all the pages to see what Spice Island used to look like.

Years ago men were found there at the Point in Old Portsmouth and forced into Nelson's navy and historic buildings of the time, such as the Still and West, the Spice Island Inn and Point Barracks all feature – and are popular places to visit today.

The old Still and West public house at Point, Old Portsmouth. It used to open at 4am, so that fishermen at the fish market could get a drink.

. Point Old Portsmouth

The old Still and West public house at Point, Old Portsmouth. It used to open at 4am, so that fishermen at the fish market could get a drink. Photo: The News archive

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Left of the picture of Elizabeth Fitzjohn, when she was three years old, with her grandmother Charlotte - who was the licensee of The Coal Exchange (now The Spice Island Inn) in Old Portsmouth. The other girl is Elizabeth's sister Ida.

. Point at Old Portsmouth

Left of the picture of Elizabeth Fitzjohn, when she was three years old, with her grandmother Charlotte - who was the licensee of The Coal Exchange (now The Spice Island Inn) in Old Portsmouth. The other girl is Elizabeth's sister Ida. Photo: The News archive

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More chimney pots than ships. An unusual view of Portsmouth Harbour from above the Still & West pub, Point, Old Portsmouth.

. Point Old Portsmouth

More chimney pots than ships. An unusual view of Portsmouth Harbour from above the Still & West pub, Point, Old Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive

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The Still & West in the early 1900's

. Point Old Portsmouth

The Still & West in the early 1900's Photo: The News archive

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The Old MV Hilsea approaches Point. Capable of a few carrying few cars and a small lorry perhaps, the old car ferry MV Hilsea in service 1930 to 1961.

. Point Old Portsmouth

The Old MV Hilsea approaches Point. Capable of a few carrying few cars and a small lorry perhaps, the old car ferry MV Hilsea in service 1930 to 1961. Photo: The News archive

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Dreadnought HMS Vanguard aground missing the Still & West 4/8/60

. Point Old Portsmouth

Dreadnought HMS Vanguard aground missing the Still & West 4/8/60 Photo: The News archive

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A view from the Portsmouth power station roof towards Point, Old Portsmouth.

. Point Old Portsmouth

A view from the Portsmouth power station roof towards Point, Old Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive

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Classic motor bikes at Point, Old Portsmouth. Part of he famous Star and Garter hotel on the right overshadows some vintage motor cycles and sidecars.

. Point Old Portsmouth

Classic motor bikes at Point, Old Portsmouth. Part of he famous Star and Garter hotel on the right overshadows some vintage motor cycles and sidecars. Photo: The News archive

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The Spice Island Inn and the surrounding area in January 1995. The News PP3837

. Point Old Portsmouth

The Spice Island Inn and the surrounding area in January 1995. The News PP3837 Photo: The News archive

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Walkers pause to look at the view of Portsmouth Harbour from Spice Island in April 1985. The News PP3491

. Point Old Portsmouth

Walkers pause to look at the view of Portsmouth Harbour from Spice Island in April 1985. The News PP3491 Photo: The News archive

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Point, Old Portsmouth, in the early years of the last century.

. Point Old Portsmouth

Point, Old Portsmouth, in the early years of the last century. Photo: The News archive

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Dreadnought HMS Vanguard aground missing the Still & West 4/8/60

5. Point Old Portsmouth

Dreadnought HMS Vanguard aground missing the Still & West 4/8/60 Photo: The News archive

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A view from the Portsmouth power station roof towards Point, Old Portsmouth.

6. Point Old Portsmouth

A view from the Portsmouth power station roof towards Point, Old Portsmouth. Photo: The News archive

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Classic motor bikes at Point, Old Portsmouth. Part of he famous Star and Garter hotel on the right overshadows some vintage motor cycles and sidecars.

7. Point Old Portsmouth

Classic motor bikes at Point, Old Portsmouth. Part of he famous Star and Garter hotel on the right overshadows some vintage motor cycles and sidecars. Photo: The News archive

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The Spice Island Inn and the surrounding area in January 1995. The News PP3837

8. Point Old Portsmouth

The Spice Island Inn and the surrounding area in January 1995. The News PP3837 Photo: The News archive

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