Gunwharf in all its glory. To celebrate the arrival of the French Fleet on Monday August 7 1905 Portsmouth certainly went to town. The Town Hall was decorated as were many other public buildings. Trams were cover in ribbons and gave free rides to the matelots, The fleet arrived at 1pm on the Monday and stayed for a week. So many people came down from the northern parts of the city that receipts were £1,500 up on the previous best week. This image was sent in by Mr & Mrs Terry Gill of Landport it shows the gates to the Gunwharf in all there splendour.The fantail of lights above the gate is supplied with power from the tramway power wires. For these passers-by to be where they are today would be risking life and limb, as traffic roars past and turns into the Gunwharf Quays today.placeholder image
Gunwharf in all its glory. To celebrate the arrival of the French Fleet on Monday August 7 1905 Portsmouth certainly went to town. The Town Hall was decorated as were many other public buildings. Trams were cover in ribbons and gave free rides to the matelots, The fleet arrived at 1pm on the Monday and stayed for a week. So many people came down from the northern parts of the city that receipts were £1,500 up on the previous best week. This image was sent in by Mr & Mrs Terry Gill of Landport it shows the gates to the Gunwharf in all there splendour.The fantail of lights above the gate is supplied with power from the tramway power wires. For these passers-by to be where they are today would be risking life and limb, as traffic roars past and turns into the Gunwharf Quays today.

Exclusive photos: 19 spectacular images of Portsmouth and Southsea in 1905

By Steve Deeks
Published 13th May 2021, 17:12 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2024, 11:04 BST

We can all look back on life in the past and learn a thing or two.

The pace of life certainly was slower in those days, but celebrating was a big thing in the city back then, as it is today, as you will see in these stunning images chosen for you to enjoy.

In this selection you can see several images detailing the French fleet visiting Portsmouth in the late summer of 1905,100 years after the Battle of Trafalgar.

MORE: 12 great images of Denmead and Hambledon through the years

The Entente Cordiale agreement comprised of a series of agreements signed on the 8th April 1904 between the UK and France.

You will also see a great image of Holland 3, the early Royal Navy submarine in Portsmouth Harbour, with HMS Victory behind.

The swingboats at Southsea Fair, circa 1905. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

9. Memories from 1905 in Portsmouth

The swingboats at Southsea Fair, circa 1905. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive

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A look along Great South Street in 1905. Elm Grove crosses the T at the top of the street.

10. Memories from 1905 in Portsmouth

A look along Great South Street in 1905. Elm Grove crosses the T at the top of the street. Photo: The News archive

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Portsmouth Corporation Tramways Illuminated tram in August 1905

11. Memories from 1905 in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Corporation Tramways Illuminated tram in August 1905 Photo: The News archive

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Thought to have been taken around the time of Trafalgar Day in 1905, we see a severely injured sailor offering relics of Admiral Nelson.

12. Memories from 1905 in Portsmouth

Thought to have been taken around the time of Trafalgar Day in 1905, we see a severely injured sailor offering relics of Admiral Nelson. Photo: The News archive

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