We have been through our archives to find some fascinating images of the city from the 1920s and 1930s before the second world war changed our city forever.
You will see in this wonderful collection a fantastic image of the Camber Dock, an exceptionally busy Wymering Racecourse, our roads filled with cars from the time and a deckchair attendant collecting money on Southsea beach with a steamer in the background at the end of the old Clarence Pier.
While a lot has happened over the years, these pictures show that some things have not changed at all – including the crowds on Southsea beach! In fact it was even busier!
9. Portsmouth in the 1920s
Wadhams of Castle Road, Southsea in the1920s. Even today, Castle Road has retained its historic charm. Photo: The News archive
10. Portsmouth in the 1920s
International law delegates from around the world gathered in Portsmouth for a conference in the 1920s. Here we see them on the very recognisable Guildhall steps in Guildhall Square. Photo: The News archive
11. Portsmouth in the 1920s
Portsmouth’s first 10 motor buses, shown here arriving outside the town hall in July 1919, were J-type Thornycrofts engineered at Basingstoke and with bodies made by Wadham Bros of Waterlooville. They were in service for about a decade across the 1920s, but the solid tyres, stiff suspension and rough roads so damaged their bodywork that by about 1926 they were refitted with second hand bodies from older London buses. Photo: The News archive
12. Portsmouth in the 1930's
The Camber Dock taken from the top of the cathedral bell tower circa 1930. The Bridge Tavern is still very much part of the area, but the rest is transformed - with the Isle of Wight Ferry Terminal, new housing and The Camber building easily recognisable changes. Picture: costen.co.uk Photo: costen.co.uk