Here are some great images dating back to around 1898. The gallery gives an insight into the past – included are the circus, the old boating lake, ploughing up the common, King’s Birthday Parade and the miniature railway that once ran.
So many memories and so much has happened on this green space over the years.
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13. Southsea Common
Roller skating around the bandstand, Southsea Common Photo: The News archive
14. Southsea Common
The arrival of the elephants for Billy Smarts Circus on Southsea Common in 1964. Photo: The News archive
15. Southsea Common
The miniature railway on Southsea Common. Undated Photo: The News archive
16. Southsea Common
A very early view here with the Naval Memorial and a sparse, recently landscaped Common giving a open vista across to the seafront. The postcard is postmarked 1937. The finial on the top of the dome on the bandstand carried the symbols of the City of Portsmouth, the Star and Crescent, reflected the new status of Portsmouth which had been made a city in 1926. Photo: The News archive