We take a look back at Portsmouth in the 1920s and 1930s with this riveting selection of old photos.
Leading the way is a picture from Southsea Beach. It is hard to imagine our city's beach areas ever being this busy today, but this is a scene of a packed Southsea beach in the 1930s right next to South Parade Pier.
The 1920s was a transformative era, featuring scenes of a rapidly changing city, the growth of Cosham, and the milestone achievement of city status in 1926. Archived images showcase Old Portsmouth, the dockyard, and bustling streets before the Second World.
See pictures below from this incredible era.
21. Portsmouth in the 1930s
A pre-war view of HMS Vernon. To the left is the present Old Custom’s House pub in Gunwharf Quays. Picture from the Paul Costen collection Photo: Paul Costen collection