Along St Helens Parade pre 1936. Another Portsmouth vista of Southsea this time with a tram passing Canoe Lake pre 1936. Picture: J.C. Bell collection.

placeholder image — Along St Helens Parade pre 1936. Another Portsmouth vista of Southsea this time with a tram passing Canoe Lake pre 1936. Picture: J.C. Bell collection.

Classic pictures of historic trams which were the hustle and bustle of Portsmouth streets

By Steve Deeks

Published 29th Apr 2020, 07:00 GMT

Updated 19th Jan 2026, 19:11 GMT

Here’s an interesting selection of the main transport at the time in Portsmouth.

Whether it be horse-drawn or the electric trams, we know you’ll love taking a look through these really old images from around our area and seeing how much life has changed over the years.

The images in this gallery are from several external collections that we have on The News archive.

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium | St Marys Church | Portsmouth Guildhall

5. Trams of Portsmouth over the years

Helen Blacker at the tram controls. Seen back in 1919 are three girls who helped run trams in Gosport. Picture: Shirley Featherstone collection. Photo: The News archive

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6. Trams of Portsmouth over the years

Outside the Esplanade Hotel, Clarence Pier pre 1936. Another view of Clarence Pier this time from where the trams terminated at the end of Pier Road, Southsea. Picture: Robert James collection Photo: The News archive

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Classic pictures of historic trams which were the hustle and bustle of Portsmouth streets

Here’s an interesting selection of the main transport at the time in Portsmouth.

5. Trams of Portsmouth over the years

6. Trams of Portsmouth over the years

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