We take a look back at Portsmouth in the 1920s and 1930s with this riveting selection of old photos.
Leading the way is a picture from Southsea Beach. It is hard to imagine our city's beach areas ever being this busy today, but this is a scene of a packed Southsea beach in the 1930s right next to South Parade Pier.
The 1920s was a transformative era, featuring scenes of a rapidly changing city, the growth of Cosham, and the milestone achievement of city status in 1926. Archived images showcase Old Portsmouth, the dockyard, and bustling streets before the Second World.
See pictures below from this incredible era.
5. Portsmouth in the 1920s
The dawn of a new city- Circa 1920 and members of what was then Portsmouth Town Council, including Councillor Brown, take a look over what was to be a new 'garden city'. Photo: The News archive
6. Portsmouth in the 1920s
Edinburgh Road 1920s. A scene that was to be repeated for many years following. We see dockyard men crossing tramlines at the Commercial Road Junction with Edinburgh Road, Southsea. Looking closely, there is not one person without a hat. To the rear can be seen an open top omnibus and further back a signal post on the dockyard branch railway. Photo: The News archive
7. Portsmouth in the 1920s
The garage on the top of Portsdown Hill in the 1920s Picture: Paul Costen collection Photo: The News archive
8. Portsmouth in the 1920s
Grand Parade, Old Portsmouth circa 1920. Amid all the destruction of the later blitz, it survived pretty well intact and is still recognisable today Photo: The News archive