The Making of a City

In 1926 Portsmouth was granted city status following a long campaign by the borough council. The application was made on the grounds that Portsmouth was the "first naval port of the kingdom". Two years later the city received the further honour of a lord mayoralty.

This Side Idolatry

This well researched but controversial novel based on the life of Charles Dickens was published in 1928. It was not altogether complimentary. Portsmouth City Council, proud of its links with with the author, promptly banned it from its public libraries. This book was billed as the ‘most discussed book of the century’ but Portsmouth residents were forced to buy their own copies to read. Portsmouth City library has an enviable collection regarding Dickens. However their catalogue shows that they still don’t possess a copy of this book.

Two racecourses

In 1891 Portsmouth opened its first racecourse, called 'Portsmouth Park', at Farlington just to the north of Portsea Island. This was a very fine and successful course but was taken over by the War Office during WWI and used as an ammunition dump. After the end of hostilities, the authorities were tardy in returning it to its owners so it was not until 1922 that the disposal of the ammunition began. Amazingly it was cleared at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per week through detonation. Still ,the site was not finally released until 1929 when Portsmouth City Council purchased it for housing development. A local businessman, George Cooper, spotted a gap in the market and opened another course three miles away at Wymering on 10 August 1928. It was luxurious having parking for 2,000 vehicles, accommodation for 8,000 spectators, numerous bars, modern toilets, a restaurant and a smart member’s clubhouse. 40,000 square yards of turf were removed from Portsdown Hill and the course was consider second to none. Pony races were run regularly while there was also the new sport of motor cycle racing to attract spectators. Even new railway halt was opened adjacent to the track to provide easy access. The next world war intervened and shortly after the land was sold to Portsmouth City Council for industrial use and housing. To find out more: http://www.stauntoninfo.co.uk/7862.html?*session*id*key*=*session*id*val* http://www.portsdown-tunnels.org.uk/paulsgrove/estate/paulsgrove_p1.html

Paddling in the Sea Life Centre

An enduring childhood memory for many who grew up in Portsmouth in the post war period was the fun to be had at the paddling pool situated to the west of Southsea Castle. This was built in 1928 as part of a programme of improvements to the Common. Additionally there was a much loved miniature train that circled the site. In the 1980s the site was redeveloped and became the Sea Life Centre.