29 brilliant photos that will take you back 1990 in Portsmouth when there was a special visitor

By Steve Deeks

Published 18th May 2020, 17:16 BST

Updated 24th Dec 2025, 15:54 BST

People may remember 1990 for Paul Gascoigne’s tears at the Italy World Cup, but what do you remember about what happened in Portsmouth that year?

As our collection of photos below show, the city enjoyed a visit from Princess Diana to start the decade. Crowds gathered to welcome back sailors on HMS Gloucester and the old brewery in Queen Street was demolished.

Enjoy a glimpse into what the city was like in 1990. What are your memories of 1990 in Portsmouth?

MORE RETRO PHOTOS: How Buckland took shape | Charlotte Street market | History of QA Hospital

An Indian-American man who took part in the sacred run for Earth and Life at The Mountbatten Centre on August 7 1990. The News PP3633

1. Portsmouth in 1990

An Indian-American man who took part in the sacred run for Earth and Life at The Mountbatten Centre on August 7 1990. The News PP3633 Photo: The News archive

Former Portsmouth FC player Gary Stevens on the pitch on August 11, 1990. The News PP3996

2. Portsmouth in 1990

Former Portsmouth FC player Gary Stevens on the pitch on August 11, 1990. The News PP3996 Photo: The News archive

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth in November 1990. The News PP3938

3. Portsmouth in 1990

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth in November 1990. The News PP3938 Photo: The News archive

Heavy traffic along the M27 on April 12, 1990. The News PP3721

4. Portsmouth in 1990

Heavy traffic along the M27 on April 12, 1990. The News PP3721 Photo: The News archive

Portsmouth People