Lawnmower drivers race against each other during the Portsmouth Lawnmower Grand Prix, held at St James Hospital, Milton on July 27 1980. The News PP3706Lawnmower drivers race against each other during the Portsmouth Lawnmower Grand Prix, held at St James Hospital, Milton on July 27 1980. The News PP3706
Lawnmower drivers race against each other during the Portsmouth Lawnmower Grand Prix, held at St James Hospital, Milton on July 27 1980. The News PP3706

29 photos to take you back to Portsmouth in 1980

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.
By Steve Deeks
Published 15th May 2020, 17:06 BST
Updated 24th Aug 2023, 17:51 BST

1980 was also a significant year for Portsmouth. 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

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

Looking up Arundel Street from Commercial Road Precinct, 1980. The News PP5426

5. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

Looking up Arundel Street from Commercial Road Precinct, 1980. The News PP5426 Photo: The News archive

Photo Sales
The site of The Ship and Castle Pub at The Hard, after it was demolished, February 28 1980. The News PP3499

6. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

The site of The Ship and Castle Pub at The Hard, after it was demolished, February 28 1980. The News PP3499 Photo: The News archive

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

7. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

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

Photo Sales
All Saints Church standing tall in September 1980. The News PP4422

8. Life in Portsmouth in 1980

All Saints Church standing tall in September 1980. The News PP4422 Photo: The News archive

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