Stunning rare photos of wonderful Southsea Common dating back to 1898

By Steve Deeks

Published 10th Aug 2020, 16:40 BST

Updated 17th Apr 2024, 13:36 BST

Southsea Common has been a place to meet and hold events for years.

Here are some great images dating back to around 1898. The gallery gives an insight into the past – included are the circus, the old boating lake, ploughing up the common, King’s Birthday Parade and the miniature railway that once ran.

So many memories and so much has happened on this green space over the years.

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: Cascades Shopping Centre | Southsea piers | Pubs we’ve loved and lost

Billy Smarts circus taking over Southsea Common in the summer of 1958.

1. Southsea Common

Billy Smarts circus taking over Southsea Common in the summer of 1958. Photo: The News archive

A very early view here with the Naval Memorial and a sparse, recently landscaped Common giving a open vista across to the seafront. The postcard is postmarked 1937. The finial on the top of the dome on the bandstand carried the symbols of the City of Portsmouth, the Star and Crescent, reflected the new status of Portsmouth which had been made a city in 1926.

2. Southsea Common

A very early view here with the Naval Memorial and a sparse, recently landscaped Common giving a open vista across to the seafront. The postcard is postmarked 1937. The finial on the top of the dome on the bandstand carried the symbols of the City of Portsmouth, the Star and Crescent, reflected the new status of Portsmouth which had been made a city in 1926. Photo: The News archive

Western Parade, Southsea in 1898. Look at those sun blinds.

3. Southsea Common

Western Parade, Southsea in 1898. Look at those sun blinds. Photo: The News archive

Lord Beresford inspecting Portsmouth Volunteer Corp on Southsea Common. Undated

4. Southsea Common

Lord Beresford inspecting Portsmouth Volunteer Corp on Southsea Common. Undated Photo: The News archive

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.