Looking back at some historic photos of Castle Road and the adjoining Great Southsea Street over the years you can feel the history of the area – as I did when I took a stroll down the road.
The Ernest Smith Clock Tower was built in 1903, but with its Tudor-style look it is easy to think that the clock could have been there for hundreds of years. Its name comes from its first landlord, Ernest Smith, who was a cabinet maker. The building’s use has differed over time – it was one of the south coast’s first car showrooms and has been a hairdressers more recently.
These photos date back as far as 1905, and give a eye-opening glimpse of how Southsea has changed.
Today the northern section of Castle Road is mainly residential but the southern end is home to a wonderful collection of independent shops, restaurants and other businesses. The road is a bustling and colourful street with plenty of charm that leads onto Southsea Common.
