Discover Portsmouth’s hidden stories at free Heritage Open Days

Residents and visitors are being invited to discover some of Portsmouth’s hidden stories at free Heritage Open Days,

The national festival, which celebrates England’s history and culture with free events every September, will bring a programme of talks, exhibitions, creative activities, guided walks and heritage experiences to the city. The open days return from today (Friday) to Sunday 20 September.

Portsmouth City Council is getting involved with several varied events. Visitors will be able to step inside Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum free of charge throughout the festival, explore wartime stories connected to Victoria Park, hear about lesser-known moments from the city’s past, and take part in activities that bring local heritage to life.

Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, in Old Commercial Road, will offer free entry and no booking is needed.

The museum is the first home of Charles Dickens, who was born there on 7 February 1812. The house is furnished in Regency style and gives visitors the chance to explore rooms that tell the story of Dickens’ earliest years and what family homes of the period were like. From Monday 14 until Thursday 17 September there will also be free talks from author Annie Elliot, in character as Mrs Dickens, who will tell visitors all about her life as Charles Dickens' wife for 22 years, until he left her for an 18-year-old actress.

Portsmouth's poet laureate, Jackson Davies, will be running a two-hour workshop at Portsmouth Central library all about Portsmouth at Play on Wednesday 16 September.

Victoria Park will also host a series of free Heritage Open Days events at The Greenhouse, including the British Restaurant Exhibition and Digital Trail Pop-Up on Monday 14 September. The exhibition explores how British Restaurants supported local communities during the Second World War by providing affordable meals during rationing and uncertainty.

On Wednesday 16 September, visitors can hear more about the Battle of Southsea, an almost forgotten episode in Portsmouth’s history when thousands of protesters clashed with police and soldiers during a four-day riot on Southsea Common. The same day also includes Letters to Elsie, a talk exploring a rare Portsmouth family archive, and Mindful Art in the Park, a creative session inviting people to reflect on their memories of Victoria Park.

Further events include Downtown Pompey - Storming the Teacup: Diversifying Pompey’s Heritage on Thursday 17 September, A guided tour of the Southsea Archives Repository - where the bulk of Portsmouth's archive material is stored at Southsea Library on Friday 18 September, Step back in time and experience the British Restaurant with Red Sauce Theatre on Saturday 19 September, and Victoria Park Heritage Walks on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Heritage Open Days give people the chance to explore Portsmouth’s stories, places and communities for free, and we've got a great offering this year, so do get involved and enjoy a new experience in familiar surroundings.”

All Heritage Open Days events are free. Some Portsmouth events require pre-booking due to limited capacity. People are encouraged to check event details before travelling and book where required.

For information on all events happening locally and booking details, visit the Heritage Open Days website https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ and search for Portsmouth events. Victoria park events can be booked here Victoria Park Revitalisation Project