This is a very detailed survey of the history of the seaside suburb of Portsmouth, England’s premier naval port. The story of Southsea cannot be studied apart from the history of Portsmouth and the author sets her account firmly within the context of a town whose very existence has depended upon the navy since the 12th century. Nevertheless, at the heart of the suburb, was the resort ... ‘the gem of England’s Watering Places’ ... and the story of the resort forms the main theme of the book, which is particularly well-illustrated by the finest original images.