A small boat approaching the entrance to Portsmouth harbour, circa 1810.  (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)placeholder image
A small boat approaching the entrance to Portsmouth harbour, circa 1810. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

25 insightful and wonderful old Royal Navy scenes at Portsmouth Harbour over the years

Portsmouth harbour has transformed drastically over the years.

We thought we’d give you an insight into what the area looked like in the past. Some of the photos in the galley date back as far as 1770 and span 200 years of Portsmouth’s history.

They give a real idea of what life was like on the waters for the Royal Navy in our harbour years ago and includes many navy vessels that of course are long gone now. There’s a wealth of historic information that is a delight to absorb.

In light of how the harbour has changed across the decades, Portsmouth Naval Base will soon see further changes. The government is planning a major infrastructure project to upgrade the site. More jetties and berths are set to be created, with updates planned for accommodation and other buildings.

Here are a selection of images showing how Portsmouth Harbour has changed. be sure to click through all the pages to see the gallery in full.

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