HISTORICAL RECORD...

OLD PORTSMOUTH 1866
This map illustrates the nucleus from which the rest of Portsmouth developed. Within the fortifications conditions are cramped. Note that our route (superimposed on this map in red) starts outside the old fortifications, then follows the High Street, and finishes once again outside the fortifications. The density of buildings today still follows this pattern of density.

OLD PORTSMOUTH 1898
The fortifications have now been demolished, but the area encompassed by them retain the old street pattern. Note that by this date, the museum (name?) has now been completed.

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION 1890s

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION 2008

THE GEORGE HOTEL 1880s
Although it started as a small inn in the 16th century, the George Hotel later became the gathering place of the well-to-do and naval officers. It was detroyed during WW2.

GEORGE COURT 1951
George Court was unveiled in 1951, on the exact location of the George Hotel.

UNVEILING CEREMONY GEORGE COURT

GEORGE COURT 2008

OLD PORTSMOUTH 1938
This map illustrates old Portsmouth just before WW2, at its most cramped .

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF OLD PORTSMOUTH, PRE WW2
Note the Cathedral is surrounded by buildings. The Cathedral remains practically hidden fron view until the damage occasionned by WW2 permits the creation of a green opening up the Cathedral to the High Street.

OLD PORTSMOUTH 1951
By this date, most of the bomb sites of WW2 have been built upon. Note that the street pattern is still very similar to that of 1938, although some new streets appear, and some buildings have not been replaced, such as those surrounding the Cathedral.

HIGH STREET 1890s
Note that the Cathedral, situated behind the residential buildings on the left-hand side of this photograph is hidden from the High Street.