28 stunning old images capture Clarence Pier going back to 1860

By Steve Deeks

Published 5th May 2020, 16:46 BST

Updated 5th Oct 2023, 17:33 BST

Here is a wonderful collection of photos from the olden days showing life on and around Clarence Pier in Southsea.

Some of the photos go as far back as 1860 and feature the popular funfair rides, as well as people taking a stroll along the pier.

All of these photos have been sourced from The News’ archives and show how the pier changed over the course of about 100 years, between the mid 19th and 20th centuries.

Boaters and parasols were the order of the day in this picture of sun-seekers on Clarence Pier, Southsea, about 1910.

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Boaters and parasols were the order of the day in this picture of sun-seekers on Clarence Pier, Southsea, about 1910. Photo: The News archve

Clarence Pier c 1928, view from a departing boat

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence Pier c 1928, view from a departing boat Photo: The News archive

Looking across Southsea Common from Clarence Pier. Fantastic crowds walking along Pier Road in the 1920's.

. Clarence Pier Southsea

Looking across Southsea Common from Clarence Pier. Fantastic crowds walking along Pier Road in the 1920's. Photo: The News archive

Dressed for summer. Row boats for hire and gentlemen taking their girls dressed in white for a row alongside Clarence Pier.

. Clarence Pier Southsea

Dressed for summer. Row boats for hire and gentlemen taking their girls dressed in white for a row alongside Clarence Pier. Photo: The News archive

Deckchair man at Clarence pier c 1930. A deckchair attendant collects money while a steamer collects passengers for a leisurely Solent trip from the old pier.

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Deckchair man at Clarence pier c 1930. A deckchair attendant collects money while a steamer collects passengers for a leisurely Solent trip from the old pier. Photo: The News archive

The old ballroom and gig venue on Clarence Pier. Undated

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

The old ballroom and gig venue on Clarence Pier. Undated Photo: The News archive

A postcard of Clarence Pier 1909

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

A postcard of Clarence Pier 1909 Photo: The News archive

Clarence pier tramway terminus. The entrance to Clarence Pier about 1905

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence pier tramway terminus. The entrance to Clarence Pier about 1905 Photo: The News archive

Clarence Pier fair in the 1960's. The Seahorse Bars.

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence Pier fair in the 1960's. The Seahorse Bars. Photo: The News archive

Clarence pier pavilion in the 1930's

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence pier pavilion in the 1930's Photo: The News archive

A rough sea breaks over Clarence Pier about 1910

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

A rough sea breaks over Clarence Pier about 1910 Photo: The News archive

Clarence pier and esplanade. Undated

. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence pier and esplanade. Undated Photo: The News archive

Boaters and parasols were the order of the day in this picture of sun-seekers on Clarence Pier, Southsea, about 1910.

1. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Boaters and parasols were the order of the day in this picture of sun-seekers on Clarence Pier, Southsea, about 1910. Photo: The News archve

Clarence Pier c 1928, view from a departing boat

2. Clarence Pier at Southsea

Clarence Pier c 1928, view from a departing boat Photo: The News archive

Looking across Southsea Common from Clarence Pier. Fantastic crowds walking along Pier Road in the 1920's.

3. Clarence Pier Southsea

Looking across Southsea Common from Clarence Pier. Fantastic crowds walking along Pier Road in the 1920's. Photo: The News archive

Dressed for summer. Row boats for hire and gentlemen taking their girls dressed in white for a row alongside Clarence Pier.

4. Clarence Pier Southsea

Dressed for summer. Row boats for hire and gentlemen taking their girls dressed in white for a row alongside Clarence Pier. Photo: The News archive

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