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

Musketry Drill 1980.

25. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Musketry Drill 1980. Photo: The News archive

Photo Sales
Mrs Campbell teaching form LC in 1980 at Mayville High School,Portsmouth

26. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Mrs Campbell teaching form LC in 1980 at Mayville High School,Portsmouth Photo: The News archive

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Fort Southwick exterior taken May 1980

27. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Fort Southwick exterior taken May 1980 Photo: The News archive

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The News front page 14.01.1980

28. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

The News front page 14.01.1980 Photo: The News archive

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