From mine warfare to a mine of shopping and leisure facilities in Portsmouth

In the picture above we are looking across the Camber entrance from Point to HMS Vernon the former mine warfare naval establishment.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2017, 06:00 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 19:09 BST
Sign of the times  looking across the Camber from Point, Old Portsmouth, to HMS Vernon, now Gunwharf Quays.Sign of the times  looking across the Camber from Point, Old Portsmouth, to HMS Vernon, now Gunwharf Quays.
Sign of the times  looking across the Camber from Point, Old Portsmouth, to HMS Vernon, now Gunwharf Quays.

To those of us who remember this scene from Old Portsmouth, it is much-changed.

Gunwharf Quays now dominates the scene with The Spinnaker Tower rising to the left.

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It might have changed almost beyond recognition, but many ex-sailors will no doubt remember it with affection.

Looking like a scene from a John Constable painting here we see Cams Mill in Fareham creek. Picture: Monty Theobald CollectionLooking like a scene from a John Constable painting here we see Cams Mill in Fareham creek. Picture: Monty Theobald Collection
Looking like a scene from a John Constable painting here we see Cams Mill in Fareham creek. Picture: Monty Theobald Collection

•Looking every bit like a John Constable painting, the second picture shows Cam’s Mill at the top of Fareham creek.

It was taken in a far more gentle age when there was time to stand and stare. Today, everything at this location is rush, rush, rush with the associated modern road system that now occupies this scene.

•The caption on the postcard in the third picture today claims it is a naval gun being manoeuvred by steam traction engine, but I wonder.

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It seems to be surrounded by an escort of soldiers rather than sailors.

The caption on this postcard claims it is a naval gun being hauled. But is it? Picture: Barry Cox CollectionThe caption on this postcard claims it is a naval gun being hauled. But is it? Picture: Barry Cox Collection
The caption on this postcard claims it is a naval gun being hauled. But is it? Picture: Barry Cox Collection

I must admit it looks like a naval gun, maybe an 11in. Perhaps it was being transferred from a station goods yard locally.

The steam tractor belongs to Park’s of Portsmouth. The address on the side panel states Haslemere Road, Southsea.

Any relevant information would be appreciated.

•Barry Cox loaned me the postcard view of the Britannia pub on the corner of Britannia Road. It comes from a job lot of Portsmouth pubs, but I wonder about this one too.

I have looked at the superb website Lost Portsmouth Pubs to no avail so perhaps it was not within the city. Further information would be appreciated on this postcard too.

Related topics:Old PortsmouthGunwharf QuaysFarehamPubs