Millennium Promenade - Clarence Esplanade

Clarence Esplanade was constructed in 1848 to prevent coastal erosion and to provide a promenade along the shore. The Board of Ordinance gave the land, then convict labour was used to bring thousands of tons of mud and shingle from the dockyard. This work saw the construction of the Esplanade between Clarence Pier and Southsea Castle.

It was named after William IV, whose illegitimate son, Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, was a Lieutenant-Governor of Portsmouth and encouraged and supported its creation.

The 1920s and 1930s were the hey-days of Southsea as a seaside resort and the town welcomed many visitors to local hotels and boarding houses, as well as excursionists on cheap day returns.

Boats for hire were drawn up on Southsea beach and bathing machines were available for swimmers and paddlers.

Southsea emerged from the traumas of the war years as a popular resort. It continued as such during the 1940s and 1950s until package tours to Spain and other cheap charter flights to the sun took their toll on traditional seaside trade.

In more recent years, the city has enjoyed a resurgence in tourism and now receives millions of visitors each year.

Go back to the Millennium Promenade page.