Oh, for the days when the combustion engine didn't rule!

A somewhat damaged view of Gosport, but worth closer inspection. Picture: Richard Hulse Collection

The chain ferry, which ran between Point, Old Portsmouth, and Gosport can be seen to the left of the Gosport ferry landing stage. The ferry is seen leaving for Portsmouth in the bottom right.

Gosport High Street, long before pedestrianisation, runs up the middle.

• The view of The Green at Rowlands Castle is almost unchanged today apart from modern traffic of course. I imagine it’s a turn-of-the-century view.

The Green at Rowlands Castle long before traffic. There was a pathway through the grass in those days. (Barry Cox collection).

Running across the green can be seen a track which has long been overgrown.

In the far distance can be seen the tree line of Stansted Forest.

• And we move on to another photo taken before the days of traffic-riddled roads.

In the picture on the right I believe the location is the junction of London Road and Hulbert Road, Waterlooville.

I believe this photo was taken from the junction of London Road and Hulbert Road, Waterlooville.

Today there is a roundabout to the left of the camera. The tram is heading for Cosham.

• William Pink founded his grocery empire in 1858. After becoming established William devoted his life to public duty and served as mayor of Portsmouth five times. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1891.

He had sons, Ernest, Harold and Victor who all became partners in the firm. Harold became mayor three times. The empire eventually reached 42 shops across the Portsmouth area.