Until 1809 Portsmouth had only Old Portsmouth and Portsea. In about 1820 more houses were built west of Green Road on land belonging to a Mr Somers. The new suburb was named Somers Town.
In the 1960s, Somers Town was redeveloped and sadly the village atmosphere was lost forever. 1,245 new homes were built by 1969 including high rise, medium-rise flats and two storey houses.
9. Somers Town from the past
Childrens day out. The location of the fleet of charabancs was on the corner of Somers Road North (right) and Besant Road. Photo: The News archive
10. Somers Town from the past
Somers Road, Portsmouth on a wet day in 1932 Photo: The News archive
11. Somers Town from the past
A aerial view of Somers Town/North Southsea showing the bottom end of Somers Road, Cottage Grove and Green Road where it meets Elm Grove. Cottage Grove School is in the centre of the photo. Picture: Courtesy of Sharon Court Photo: The News archive
12. Somers Town from the past
Looking along Waterloo Street from St Jamess Road to Grosvenor Street. On the corner is Curtiss, house furnishers. Picture: Robert James collection Photo: The News archive