Nostalgic memories of Portsmouth's local history
Share your own memories of Portsmouth and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 26 in total
I was born in Drayton in 1943 and was at Solent Road School and the Northern Grammar School for Boys. I then went to London University and subsequently worked abroad while returning to Portsmouth regularly where I have my UK Home for holidays.
Portsmouth is a lost opportunity for me and for the city. It is the most attractive geographical and historical place on the south coast and should be a thriving ...see more
Does anyone remember around 1977/78 "Dart Discount" drug store ran by Arthur and Diane Garner ?
They also had a second smaller shop up towards the Gladys Avenue roundabout, on the right hand side as you travel North.
Dart Discount was almost opposite Mark's and Spencer
I remember Snob in Portsmouth very well as I worked there from 1975 to 1979. Some of the best days of my life.
I still have a business card of our area manager.
I worked in SNOB for 7 years full time and a couple part time . Loved it , have a few photographs, and still in contact with 3 of the girls ( well we are in our 60s now 😬 . Great memories , loved all the clothes, spent most of my wages on just clothes in those days 🎀 .My name was Jenni Hitchcock then married and became Furnell . I remember being in contact with Portsmouth staff ,to send stock too and from each of the boutiques 👍🥰
Born in Oakwood Rd Hilsea In 1937with memories of watching Dog Fights in the sky from our Anderson Air Raid shelter during the early part of WW2 before going up to Dunstaffnage in Scotland in 1943 when my father who was a Shipwright in the Dockyard was posted there. Returning to Oakwood Rd when the war ended I went to Northern Parade School and then Hilsea Modern until leaving in August 1952 to start work for Curry's Ltd ...see more
Born in Oxford, I moved to Portsmouth in 1952. My Father was in the army department constabulary, now the MOD Police, and we lived at 9, then 8, then 13 York Terrace, Hilsea in married quarters, my Father was based at Hilsea Depot opposite Old London Road. My Father came from Swadlincote but all of my mothers family came from Eastney originally, many in the Royal Marines at Eastney and Deal and one ...see more
I was born in portsmouth in 1962, many parts of the city have completely changed from when I grew up there.
The part of portsmouth I was born in (born at home malins road) was demolished in the 70s, I remember the bulldozers and brick dust, we watched as they knocked down my dads (rip) local pub the centaur and we were still living in our house when the bulldozers were only a few doors down.
I saw the area I ...see more
Born in Portsmouth 1947. Happy memories of the early 60's.
'Manhattan' Coffee bar Palmerston Road. 'Birdcage' Osborne Road and also 'Delmonico's',
And the never to be forgotten R & B venue 'Kimballs'.
Jennifer Davies nee Ford.
This area was quit well known to me as I lived in Portsmouth until just after leaving St Lukes school,about half a mile away,although I returned around 1968 .The black square on left of photo was a pub ,and outside most days stood Mrs Harding, she was a nice lady , she stood there selling newspapers, they may have had a shop also,to my right not in the photo(4 o clock) position was the coffee shop,called Verechias ...see more
Visiting the website I discovered a photograph of Portsmouth Guildhall which brought back sad memories. On 10th January 1941 the city was heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe including incendiaries on the Guildhall. On the morning of 11th January my father, who worked in the Treasurer's department, and I stood and watched a blazing inferno with a burning spire toppling into it. Eventually it was completely gutted ...see more