Buses waiting at The Hard, Portsmouth in May 1980. One of the buses shows an old advertisement for The News. The News PP3492placeholder image
Buses waiting at The Hard, Portsmouth in May 1980. One of the buses shows an old advertisement for The News. The News PP3492

29 fascinating retro photos taking you back to Portsmouth 1980

By Steve Deeks
Published 15th May 2020, 17:06 GMT
Updated 26th Oct 2025, 15:38 GMT

It was the year the Rubik’s Cube was sold worldwide for the first time, The Empire Strikes Back arrived in cinemas, and Pac-Man was first introduced to fans.

The Queen made a royal visit to the city, and the A3(M) had just opened for the first time after construction finished.

See what it was like to live in Portsmouth in 1980 and what happened in that year.

All of these photos are from The News’ archives – what are your memories of Portsmouth in 1980?

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Commercial Road | How Buckland took shape | Eastney Barracks

Mayfield Grammar School, North End, Portsmouth in 1980. The News PP4984

21. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Mayfield Grammar School, North End, Portsmouth in 1980. The News PP4984 Photo: The News archive

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A quiet day for Cosham Train Station in May, 1980. The News PP5628

22. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

A quiet day for Cosham Train Station in May, 1980. The News PP5628 Photo: The News archive

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The shops lining Copnor Road in March 1980. The News PP5603

23. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

The shops lining Copnor Road in March 1980. The News PP5603 Photo: The News archive

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H.M. The Queen visit to Portsmouth Links Memorial unveiling 1980.

24. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

H.M. The Queen visit to Portsmouth Links Memorial unveiling 1980. Photo: The News archive

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