Southsea Rock Gardens

The glorious Rock Gardens in Southsea have an interesting history. Originally built in the early 1920’s, they suffered from neglect during World War II when the whole seafront was given over to the military. They were one of the first areas to be restored post WWII but subsequently suffered from flooding during one of the worst storms in living memory, in 1949, when the fire brigade limited the damage by quickly pumping off over one million gallons of salt water. In the 1950s electicity was introduced including coloured lights in the fountain.

When first conceived, it was hoped they would, ‘provide shelter from the cold winds which are occasionally felt in all seaside resorts’. Over 90 years later the Rock Gardens are still a much loved feature of the seafront.

To find out more:
http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/10079.html

Public Conveniences

‘Please adjust your dress before leaving’ was the sound advice placed on tiles in Portsmouth public conveniences in the early 1900s.

Passengers from a lost airport

During 1934 nearly 20,000 passengers flew from Portsmouth airport. At this time Amy Johnson was working here as a test pilot for The Portsmouth Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviations Co.

Portsmouth Records Office I169

Verrecchia ice cream

Portsmouth, like other coastal towns, saw Italian ice cream makers appearing by the late 1800s. Initially there was some local hostility with regular fines being imposed for obstruction. However, attitudes had softened by the inter war period enabling Augusto Verrecchia to open his popular coffee house and ice cream café by the railway bridge near Guildhall Square. In the post WWII period, this café was much loved by the students of the nearby Municipal College as the individual booths were ideal for courting.

One of these booths is now preserved and on view in the City Museum.

Holland 1

Built in 1901, this tiny submersible was the Royal Navy’s first submarine and formed part of the "First Submarine Flotilla" based in Portsmouth Harbour. In her life she was both blown up and sunk, but now she rests peacefully at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.

For more information: http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/museum-collections/our-submarines/holland-1

It’s Shorter by Water!

The Gosport ferry, which shuttles people between Gosport and Portsmouth, is by far Britain’s busiest short route with passenger numbers of roughly 4 million per year. This despite a fall in numbers from nearer 10 million in its heyday.

Gosport Ferry Limited can trace its ancestry back to the 1880s.
http://www.gosportferry.co.uk/aboutus.php

Dickens and Highland Road

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and kept connections with the town for most of his life. Highland Road cemetery has a plethora of connections being the last resting place of:
o Maria Winter (nee Beadnall), his first sweetheart
o Ellen Robinson (nee Ternan), his mistress
o Georgina Margaret Haymen, believed to be the model for Little Dorritt
o Alfred Arthur Seale, first curator of the Charles Dickens Museum in Portsmouth.

2012 will be the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth and to celebrate Portsmouth City Council will be arranging a series of celebrations including a large community archive project.
http://www.dickens2012.org/dickens-community-archive-project

Jane’s Fighting Ships

Fred T Jane, although not a native of Portsmouth, spent most of his working life in the town. He is best remembered for his international standard reference work, All the World’s Fighting Ships. However he was active in local life in many ways including the burgeoning scouting movement and politics.

To find out more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_T._Jane

HMS Dreadnought

When HMS Dreadnought was laid down on 2 October 1905 in Portsmouth naval history was made. It became the predominant type of naval battleship of the twentieth century, so much so that those built after her were referred to as 'dreadnoughts', and earlier battleships became known as pre-dreadnoughts.

The Admiral Superintendant of Portsmouth Dockyard, Jackie Fisher, was a man of enormous energy and drive. He spearheaded the revolutionary design and under his leadership HMS Dreadnought was launched by Edward VII on 10 February 1906 after only 130 days. She sailed for sea trials just a year and one day after the laying of her keel, a huge feat which it was said at the time would not have been possible anywhere else in the world.

Modern admiralty procurement could perhaps learn some lessons!

To find out more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought_battleship#Anglo-German_arms_race