Discover the history of the Old Beneficial School on one of Groundlings' historical tours. Explore the truth surrounding Charles Dickens' birth and learn of former pupil Sir Henry Ayers, the man who became a rock in the middle of Australia. With guided tours and illustrated talks by costumed actors taking you through the sights and sounds of this wonderful Georgian school, our
Charles Sargeant Jagger and the Portsmouth War Memorial
Mention the Portsmouth War Memorial, and most people will immediately think, incorrectly, of the imposing Royal Naval monument on Southsea Common. Portsmouth’s civic memorial to the dead of the 1914-18 war from all services, raised by and for the people, is the fine creation in Guildhall Square, Grade II* listed but imprisoned by all the surrounding commercial and municipal activity.
In praise of the National Gardens Scheme – Celia and Deane’s exploration of Historic Houses in Hampshire – September 2018
Deane and I have discovered some wonderful Hampshire houses which we would never otherwise have seen these last two summers, when the owners opened their gardens as part of the National Gardens Scheme. Last year one highlight was Cranbury Park, a splendid house on the crown of a hill. It was probably designed by George Dance in the 1790s for
Design Awards 2018
One of the most prestigious events in the Portsmouth Society’s programme is the Annual Design Awards - Wednesday 24th October 7pm Royal Maritime Club. Our President, Dr Celia Clark, will present the judges’ considerations on the buildings and landscapes completed before the end of 2017 that have reached the necessary criteria for each category. Photos and expert opinion
WWI Museum Visit – 19th September
WWI Museum Visit - 19th September Members and their guests are invited to a private tour of the WWI Museum by Charles Haskell. A one-hour guided tour includes unusual tales from WW1 and stories behind the exhibits plus time for any questions. Following this, people can then explore further on their own if they wish. There are 9 steps to the museum
July Meeting – Air Quality in Portsmouth
At our member’s meeting on Wednesday 18 July we welcome Mike Dobson of FOOPA who is very active in the area of air quality and all aspects of traffic regulation, and is sure to give an enlightening and empirically based view of Portsmouth's problems. World Health Organisation data confirms Portsmouth as having some of the worst pollution levels in the UK, hardly surprising given the
Researching a Building’s History and Portsmouth History Centre
Notes from February's Meeting Drawing on his long experience as the local history officer and archivist with PortsmouthMuseum Services, Dr John Stedman gave a highly informative talk on aspects of tracing building history, and the extent of the collections in Portsmouth History Centre on the 3rd floor of the Norrish Central Library. Most of you will have used this at some time - for those who have
Notes from our March meeting: The Archivist as Detective
John Sadden, archivist at Portsmouth Grammar School, led an enthralling and profusely- illustrated journey through time to some of the lesser-known periods in the school's history. The very first school opened in Penny Street in 1753 next to the barracks, but was not a success and closed in 1871. The Victorian grammar school opened in 1879 in the detached building on the north side
Civic Day Conservation Area Walk – 20 June 2018
In celebration of Civic Day 2018 we will be looking once more at our City Centre conservation areas. Led by Ben Cracknell, Conservation Officer at Portsmouth City Council. The walk will start in the Guildhall Square at 6pm and follow King Henry 1 Street towards Burnaby Road. Returning via Queen Street the walk will include the City's gem, Victoria Park. The