To most people in our city, Portsmouth Point is now known as Spice Island these days, and is a popular destination for a walk or just to enjoy a drink and watch the world – and the harbour – go by.
Years ago men were found there at the Point in Old Portsmouth and forced into Nelson's navy and historic buildings of the time, such as the Still and West, the Spice Island Inn and Point Barracks all feature – and are popular places to visit today.
The images that are credited to The News are available to purchase from our Photosales department.
Be sure to click through all the pages to see what Spice Island used to look like.
9. Point Old Portsmouth
Walkers pause to look at the view of Portsmouth Harbour from Spice Island in April 1985. The News PP3491 Photo: The News archive
10. Point Old Portsmouth
Point, Old Portsmouth, in the early years of the last century. Photo: The News archive
11. Point Old Portsmouth
Point Old Portsmouth. Sent in by K. Gill of Alexander Road, Landport, we see what is always termed these days as 'Spice Island' by the tourist bods. This is a much changed scene with all the buildings to the left demolished. The Brickwoods pub The Union is now called The Spice Island Inn although the white building to the right, the Gales owned Still and West still operates under the same name. In the centre, Mew Langton were a brewers located at 83, High Street. To the left can be seen the railway owned car ferry to the Isle of Wight. The notice states: Southern Railway Motor Car Ferry Service - Portsmouth to Fishbourne Photo: The News archive
12. Point Old Portsmouth
Seen arriving at Point, Old Portsmouth is the car ferry from the Isle of Wight. Imagine such a small vessel today. Photo: The News archive