NOSTALGIA: It seems like only yesterday '“ when petrol was just 9p a litre Â

In 1984, a former sub-editor at The News, Anthony Triggs, went about taking then and now photographs to produce his book Portsmouth  '“  Past and Present.Â

Tony has let me retake the pictures he took 34 years ago and the changes are amazing. I'm used to re-taking photographs from 100 years ago so it's good to re-take some from the recent past. In the coming days I will include them here.

THEN: Looking north through Hilsea, 1984. You may not think this scene has changed much, but look at the 2018 photograph and see the difference. Picture: Anthony Triggsplaceholder image
THEN: Looking north through Hilsea, 1984. You may not think this scene has changed much, but look at the 2018 photograph and see the difference. Picture: Anthony Triggs

I begin with London Road, Hilsea, when four-star petrol was just 40.5p'¦ a gallon. There are big changes between the two images. To the right is the former bus garage which later became a dairy. Beyond  that is the Texaco garage. There is also lighting in the middle of the road.

In 2018 the bus station has gone and replaced by a block of flats. The Texaco garage is now a car showroom and those lights have been moved to the pavement. The Shell garage is still operational, the biggest difference being the cost of fuel. Then a gallon cost 40.5p. Today it's £1.25 a litre.

 

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice