Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812. His birthplace was restored from 1968-70
and is now an interesting museum in the centre of town. Visit more on Charles Dickens
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle came to open his Doctors Practice in Elm Grove, Southsea and it was
here during the 1880s that he wrote the first Sherlock Holmes stories. A block of flats is now
on the site and there is a plaque dedicated to him.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the outstanding engineer who constructed bridges, ships, tunnels
and the famous Great Western Railway was born in Portsea. A memorial to him is in Britain
Street and a road has been named after him.
Duke of Buckingham, favourite of James I and Charles 1 was assassinated by John Felton
in 1628 at no 11 High Street, Old Portsmouth. This building is offices now and it is said to
be haunted by his ghost.
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Rudyard
Kipling lived in Campbell Road Southsea, from 6 to 12 years of age. Sent there with his sister by his parents from India to escape fever and cholera, he spent these years in misery because of a cruel landlady and her son. |