Clarence Esplanade

In 1848, Southsea seafront changed forever with the building of Clarence Esplanade. It was partly financed from public subscription, with the War Office donating the land free of charge, and the Treasury contributing £300. The driving force behind the initiative were the Lt Governor, Lord Frederick FitzClarence, and Alderman Emanuel. They employed convict labour and took advantage of thousands of tons of mud and shingle being excavated from the Dockyard Steam Basin being built at the same time. The section from the King’s Rooms (now Clarence Pier) to the Castle was opened in August 1848 during the Royal Portsmouth Regatta. It was attended by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and other members of the royal family.