It might surprise you to learn that Southsea was largely unknown until the mid-16th century when Henry VIII ordered the building of Southsea Castle as part of extensive sea defences. Prior to the development of the fortifications, Southsea was largely farmland and marshland.

The land was originally owned by Thomas Croxton, and so when he started to develop the farmland in the early 19th century, it was originally called Croxton Town.

With the expansion of the dockyard, Southsea grew to accommodate the influx of workers, and the development continued. The town became fashionable during the 19th century, and it became a bathing destination for the middle and upper classes.

Most of the original streets still exist; however Southsea was heavily bombed during the war, destroying much of the original buildings.

In the 1950s, Southsea underwent redevelopment, and many of the buildings we see today were constructed. While Southsea never quite recovered the visitor numbers it once enjoyed, it still grew through the 20th century and remained a popular seaside destination.

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