Wiped from the map of Portsmouth – all in the name of progress | Nostalgia

Another photograph to break the hearts of former Buckland residents who lived in the area until the late 1960s.

I know from your correspondence that you love pictures from Portsmouth past, especially if it was where you were brought up.

Seymour Street with North Cross Street, Buckland, Portsmouth. Picture: Mick Cooper collection.placeholder image
Seymour Street with North Cross Street, Buckland, Portsmouth. Picture: Mick Cooper collection. | Other 3rd Party

Here we are looking down Seymour Street from School Lane (behind the camera), with North Cross Street on the right which led to Wellington Place School. At the bottom of the road washing is hanging on a line in Buckland Street.

By 1970 just one house was occupied in Seymour Street, number 51 where an Ernest Griggs lived. He was no doubt waiting to be moved on to modern premises.

How Buckland once looked. Map: Pete Cross collectionplaceholder image
How Buckland once looked. Map: Pete Cross collection | Other 3rd Party

North Cross Street was completely empty by 1970 maybe even demolished.

I believe the pub was the Delhi Tavern, a Brickwoods’ house.

These two locations have now been wiped off the face of Portsmouth’s map.

Pete Cross tells me he regularly walked this street and on a summer’s day front doors would be left open and pet dogs could wander in and out as there was little traffic.

Angel Radio.placeholder image
Angel Radio. | Other 3rd Party

Can anyone recognise the house in which they lived? Would love to hear from you.

Buckland before 1970

This pre-1970 map proves that the demolition squads did more damage than the Luftwaffe ever did to the Buckland area. North Cross Street is at the top of the map leading off Seymour Street.

Buckland Street and Arthur Street are below and to the top right. At that time, Sultan Road had a junction with Kingston Road whereas today it is blocked off by Hanway Road. Happily, Cressy and Agincourt roads survive much as they did at that time.

The happy sounds of DJ Bob

My dulcet tones can be heard on your radio again if you listen in to Angel Radio on 89.3FM.

I am back on air today and every Tuesday from midday to 2pm. It is a request show so if you want to hear something for a birthday treat, a friend or anniversary then please phone in and talk to Ann. It is completely free on 0800 014 1955.

Please tell Ann you read this piece in The News.

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