Portsmouth street names and the people they were named after

Kelly Brown
·9-min read
Combining the city's naval and French connections, this street was named after Louis Alexander Mountbatten, 1st Marquess of Milford Haven who was formerly Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg. He was a British naval officer and German prince related by marriage to the British royal family. (Photo: Google Maps)
Combining the city's naval and French connections, this street was named after Louis Alexander Mountbatten, 1st Marquess of Milford Haven who was formerly Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg. He was a British naval officer and German prince related by marriage to the British royal family. (Photo: Google Maps)

Many of our city’s streets are named for other areas of the county or for their military locations – which is unsurprising given Portsmouth’s strong military links.

But many are also named after people too – including many who have had a great impact on our city and the country as a whole.

Here are just some of the many streets in Portsmouth with a story to tell:

Queen Victoria was keen that her husband's legacy was recognised and remembered by the country and Portsmouth is no exception. The city has many nods to Prince Albert with Prince Albert Road and Albert Road both taking his name. The Royal Albert pub also bears the prince's name as well as a play area. (Photo: Google Maps)
Queen Victoria was keen that her husband's legacy was recognised and remembered by the country and Portsmouth is no exception. The city has many nods to Prince Albert with Prince Albert Road and Albert Road both taking his name. The Royal Albert pub also bears the prince's name as well as a play area. (Photo: Google Maps)
In a touching tale, this North End road got its name thanks to Alfred White who was a local businessman instrumental in the introduction of the tram system to Portsmouth. In recognition of his work he was given the opportunity to select a name for a road and he chose Gladys Avenue, naming it after his daughter. She was a nurse who trained at Guy's Hospital in London, served during the first world way and was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal in recognition of her war service. (Photo: Google Maps)
In a touching tale, this North End road got its name thanks to Alfred White who was a local businessman instrumental in the introduction of the tram system to Portsmouth. In recognition of his work he was given the opportunity to select a name for a road and he chose Gladys Avenue, naming it after his daughter. She was a nurse who trained at Guy's Hospital in London, served during the first world way and was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal in recognition of her war service. (Photo: Google Maps)
This city centre street is named after Queen Charlotte wife of George III - a Queen very much back in the spotlight thanks to her appearance as a character in the Bridgerton series of books and TV series. (Photo: Google Maps)
This city centre street is named after Queen Charlotte wife of George III - a Queen very much back in the spotlight thanks to her appearance as a character in the Bridgerton series of books and TV series. (Photo: Google Maps)
Albert Edward Allaway, who was Lord Mayor of Portsmouth from 1944 to 1946, is honoured with the naming of this major road in Portsmouth (Photo: Google Maps)
Albert Edward Allaway, who was Lord Mayor of Portsmouth from 1944 to 1946, is honoured with the naming of this major road in Portsmouth (Photo: Google Maps)
The Buckland road is said to have been named in honour of Sultan Adbulaziz, ruler of the Ottoman Empire after he visited Portsmouth in 1870. A naval ship was also named after him and HMS Sultan in Gosport - once known as HMS Gosport - also bears the same name. (Photo: Google Maps)
The Buckland road is said to have been named in honour of Sultan Adbulaziz, ruler of the Ottoman Empire after he visited Portsmouth in 1870. A naval ship was also named after him and HMS Sultan in Gosport - once known as HMS Gosport - also bears the same name. (Photo: Google Maps)
From royalty to writers - Portsmouth's street names are full of historical refences (Photo: Contributed)
From royalty to writers - Portsmouth's street names are full of historical refences (Photo: Contributed)
This tiny road for buses which is next to Canoe Lake was named after The Ocean at the End of the Lane a 2013 novel by Neil Gaiman whose family were originally from Polish Jewish roots, but settled in Portsmouth and had a successful grocery shop chain. (Photo: Google Maps)
This tiny road for buses which is next to Canoe Lake was named after The Ocean at the End of the Lane a 2013 novel by Neil Gaiman whose family were originally from Polish Jewish roots, but settled in Portsmouth and had a successful grocery shop chain. (Photo: Google Maps)
Named after Portsmouth's 'Mr Gardening' – the man who made gardening accessible, and fun, to generations in the city and surrounding area – Brian Kidd Way is alive with colour in the spring and summer in a fitting tribute to the gardening expert and former News columnist. (Photo: Kelly Brown)
Named after Portsmouth's 'Mr Gardening' – the man who made gardening accessible, and fun, to generations in the city and surrounding area – Brian Kidd Way is alive with colour in the spring and summer in a fitting tribute to the gardening expert and former News columnist. (Photo: Kelly Brown)
The road which runs past QA hospital is fittingly named after French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur who was renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization - the last of which was named after him. (Photo: Google Maps)
The road which runs past QA hospital is fittingly named after French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur who was renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization - the last of which was named after him. (Photo: Google Maps)
This small Milton road is named after Jean de Gisors who was a French lord, between 1170 and 1180. He purchased the manor of Buckland from the de Porte family and founded the town of Portsmouth as one end of a trade route between England and France. This small town then developed into what we now know as the city of Portsmouth. (Photo: Google Maps)
This small Milton road is named after Jean de Gisors who was a French lord, between 1170 and 1180. He purchased the manor of Buckland from the de Porte family and founded the town of Portsmouth as one end of a trade route between England and France. This small town then developed into what we now know as the city of Portsmouth. (Photo: Google Maps)
The now pedestrianised road was named after Viscount (Lord) Palmerston who was twice Prime Minister of the UK as well as being responsible for building a series of forts, the Solent Forts and at Portsdown Hill, built to protect Portsmouth harbour and its dockyard.
The now pedestrianised road was named after Viscount (Lord) Palmerston who was twice Prime Minister of the UK as well as being responsible for building a series of forts, the Solent Forts and at Portsdown Hill, built to protect Portsmouth harbour and its dockyard.
Princess Anne herself opened the road which was named after her in 2011 which created a better access for for traffic heading for the Naval Base via the southbound M275. (Photo: Google Maps)
Princess Anne herself opened the road which was named after her in 2011 which created a better access for for traffic heading for the Naval Base via the southbound M275. (Photo: Google Maps)
Boasting stunning views across the city, the road which runs along the top of Portsdown Hill towards Fareham was named after Prime Minister, Portsmouth-born James Callaghan, who during his political career held all four great offices of state (Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer)
Boasting stunning views across the city, the road which runs along the top of Portsdown Hill towards Fareham was named after Prime Minister, Portsmouth-born James Callaghan, who during his political career held all four great offices of state (Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer)
Goldsmith Avenue is one of a number of roads to have changed its name in the city. It was formerly known as Canal Road because it followed the course of the old Portsmouth to Arundel Canal. It was renamed Goldsmith Avenue in the 1890s after James Goldsmith a wealthy landowner owner of the Milton Farm Estate which was being redeveloped. Part of the estate was retained as the present Milton Park. (Photo: Google Maps)
Goldsmith Avenue is one of a number of roads to have changed its name in the city. It was formerly known as Canal Road because it followed the course of the old Portsmouth to Arundel Canal. It was renamed Goldsmith Avenue in the 1890s after James Goldsmith a wealthy landowner owner of the Milton Farm Estate which was being redeveloped. Part of the estate was retained as the present Milton Park. (Photo: Google Maps)
This North End street was named in honour of Arthur James Balfour, who was Prime Minister from July 1902 to December 1905. (Photo: Google Maps)
This North End street was named in honour of Arthur James Balfour, who was Prime Minister from July 1902 to December 1905. (Photo: Google Maps)
The former sailor best known for circumnavigating the globe single-handedly in 1967–68 on the Lively Lady. Not only was he knighted for his exploits but he was also made a Freeman of the City of Portsmouth. As well as the city centre road being names after him the Wetherspoon public house in Port Solent also bears his name as well as an elderly people's residence in Gosport. His sailing club Eastney Cruising Association in Portsmouth has a Cornish Pilot Gig named after him. There is also a plaque commemorating his global circumnavigation near his landing point at Southsea. Meanwhile the Lively Lady was bequeathed to the city upon his death and has been restored so it can be used again. (Photo: Google Maps)
The former sailor best known for circumnavigating the globe single-handedly in 1967–68 on the Lively Lady. Not only was he knighted for his exploits but he was also made a Freeman of the City of Portsmouth. As well as the city centre road being names after him the Wetherspoon public house in Port Solent also bears his name as well as an elderly people's residence in Gosport. His sailing club Eastney Cruising Association in Portsmouth has a Cornish Pilot Gig named after him. There is also a plaque commemorating his global circumnavigation near his landing point at Southsea. Meanwhile the Lively Lady was bequeathed to the city upon his death and has been restored so it can be used again. (Photo: Google Maps)
A huge number of sites around the world are named after Lord Nelson but our city hold him in special regard. The inspirational Royal Naval Sailor has not just a road named after him in Portsmouth, but also a school with the Admiral Lord Nelson School bearing his name. HMS Nelson is also the designation for HM Naval Base Portsmouth. His famous ship HMS Victory can also be found at the city's historic dockyard. (Photo: Google Maps)
A huge number of sites around the world are named after Lord Nelson but our city hold him in special regard. The inspirational Royal Naval Sailor has not just a road named after him in Portsmouth, but also a school with the Admiral Lord Nelson School bearing his name. HMS Nelson is also the designation for HM Naval Base Portsmouth. His famous ship HMS Victory can also be found at the city's historic dockyard. (Photo: Google Maps)
The former Prime Minister was no stranger to Portsmouth visiting our city's naval base more than once, including in January 1941 when he came to see the WWII bomb damage, and was given the Freedom of Portsmouth in 1950. The road was also named after him. (Photo: Google Maps)
The former Prime Minister was no stranger to Portsmouth visiting our city's naval base more than once, including in January 1941 when he came to see the WWII bomb damage, and was given the Freedom of Portsmouth in 1950. The road was also named after him. (Photo: Google Maps)
The Stamshaw street is named after Thomas Newcomen, who created the first practical steam engine in 1712. (Photo: Google Maps)
The Stamshaw street is named after Thomas Newcomen, who created the first practical steam engine in 1712. (Photo: Google Maps)
This city centre street is named after historian and educationalist Dorothy Dymond who was was appointed Principal of Portsmouth Training College in 1932. She was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list in 1949 and an honorary D.Litt by Southampton University in 1976. (Photo: Google Maps)
This city centre street is named after historian and educationalist Dorothy Dymond who was was appointed Principal of Portsmouth Training College in 1932. She was awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list in 1949 and an honorary D.Litt by Southampton University in 1976. (Photo: Google Maps)
Rudyard Kipling is just one of a number of writers who have roads named after them, with his street in Hilsea named after the man known by many around the world for The Jungle Book. Kipling was born in Bombay and remained their until he was five at which time he and his sister were sent to Southsea to live with a couple who boarded children of British nationals living abroad. He and his sister lived in the city for six years before he and his mother and sister moved to Essex. (Photo: Google Maps)
Rudyard Kipling is just one of a number of writers who have roads named after them, with his street in Hilsea named after the man known by many around the world for The Jungle Book. Kipling was born in Bombay and remained their until he was five at which time he and his sister were sent to Southsea to live with a couple who boarded children of British nationals living abroad. He and his sister lived in the city for six years before he and his mother and sister moved to Essex. (Photo: Google Maps)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is another writer who has one of our city's streets names after him - right next to Kipling Road named after Rudyard Kipling, and along from Meredith Road named after the Portsmouth-born George Meredith. Conan Doyle wrote his first two Sherlock Holmes stories while living in Portsmouth after setting up a doctor’s practice in Elm Grove. His connections to Portsmouth are marked not only by the naming of Doyle Avenue and the adjoining Conan Road and Doyle Close, but also on the blue plaque on Bush House, Elm Grove, Southsea, Portsmouth, where he lived. (Photo: Google Maps)
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is another writer who has one of our city's streets names after him - right next to Kipling Road named after Rudyard Kipling, and along from Meredith Road named after the Portsmouth-born George Meredith. Conan Doyle wrote his first two Sherlock Holmes stories while living in Portsmouth after setting up a doctor’s practice in Elm Grove. His connections to Portsmouth are marked not only by the naming of Doyle Avenue and the adjoining Conan Road and Doyle Close, but also on the blue plaque on Bush House, Elm Grove, Southsea, Portsmouth, where he lived. (Photo: Google Maps)
Previously known as Lazy Lane, Fawcett Road and the Fawcett Inn were named after Lieutenant Alexander Fawcett who was shot and died fighting in the First Indian War of Independence in 1858 at the age of 20. There is a memorial to him at St Thomas' Cathedral in Old Portsmouth. (Photo: Google Maps)
Previously known as Lazy Lane, Fawcett Road and the Fawcett Inn were named after Lieutenant Alexander Fawcett who was shot and died fighting in the First Indian War of Independence in 1858 at the age of 20. There is a memorial to him at St Thomas' Cathedral in Old Portsmouth. (Photo: Google Maps)
Portsmouth-born Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an English civil engineer and mechanical engineer, who is considered
Portsmouth-born Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an English civil engineer and mechanical engineer, who is considered "one of the most ingenious and prolific figures in engineering history". Monuments to him can be found all over the county but his home city is also ensuring his legacy is fully remembered. Not only does this city centre street bear his name but also a junior school, a Wetherspoon pub and a car park in the city centre. (Photo: Google Maps)
Portsmouth's long history with the Royal Navy means that a number of its roads are named after important figures from its history. Examples include Collingwood Road, Duncan Road and Exmouth Road named after admirals. This area of Southsea's development in the 1860's was known as Nelsonville. HMS Collingwood in Fareham is also named for the same reason, named after Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood who fought with Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar 1805, Collingwood led the second naval column at the battle. (Photo: Google Maps)
Portsmouth's long history with the Royal Navy means that a number of its roads are named after important figures from its history. Examples include Collingwood Road, Duncan Road and Exmouth Road named after admirals. This area of Southsea's development in the 1860's was known as Nelsonville. HMS Collingwood in Fareham is also named for the same reason, named after Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood who fought with Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar 1805, Collingwood led the second naval column at the battle. (Photo: Google Maps)
Paulsgrove boasts a batch of roads named after giants in the world of poetry Chaucer Avenue named after Geoffrey Chaucer, while neighbouring Keats Avenue is named after John Keats, Shelley Avenue named after Percy Bysshe Shelley (whose second wife was Frankenstein author Mary Shelley), Browning Avenue named after Robert Browning, Dryden Avenue named after John Dryden and Wordsworth Avenue named for William Wordsworth.
Paulsgrove boasts a batch of roads named after giants in the world of poetry Chaucer Avenue named after Geoffrey Chaucer, while neighbouring Keats Avenue is named after John Keats, Shelley Avenue named after Percy Bysshe Shelley (whose second wife was Frankenstein author Mary Shelley), Browning Avenue named after Robert Browning, Dryden Avenue named after John Dryden and Wordsworth Avenue named for William Wordsworth.
The road outside Bishop’s House, Portsmouth and St John’s Cathedral was re-named Bishop Crispian Way in 2011 to mark his forthcoming retirement after 22 years service. (Photo: Google Maps)
The road outside Bishop’s House, Portsmouth and St John’s Cathedral was re-named Bishop Crispian Way in 2011 to mark his forthcoming retirement after 22 years service. (Photo: Google Maps)
The city centre street was names after the famous writer who was born in Portsmouth on February 7 1812. His birthplace in Old Commercial Road can still be visited as a tourist attraction. (Photo: Google Maps)
The city centre street was names after the famous writer who was born in Portsmouth on February 7 1812. His birthplace in Old Commercial Road can still be visited as a tourist attraction. (Photo: Google Maps)