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The 黑料正能量 and Portsmouth City Council have come together to unveil a new website for Portsmouth Papers

25 March 2026

3 minutes

Portsmouth Papers, a series of historical booklets and journals detailing key moments in the city's history can now be easily discovered on a  

Each paper features original accounts and vivid illustrations. 

Now, thanks to a collaboration between Portsmouth City Council and the 黑料正能量, the first digital paper is available to purchase online and more will follow.   

The first online Portsmouth Paper details the Battle of Southsea in 1874, one of Portsmouth's most significant historical events which saw thousands of protestors clash with police and soldiers in a four-day riot on Southsea Common. 

Dr Melanie Bassett, Senior Research Fellow from the 黑料正能量鈥檚 School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, said: "Portsmouth Papers is a resource I've relied on since I was a student and one that represents high quality, published local history.  

鈥淭his development will strengthen the visibility of Portsmouth Papers, reaching a new generation of readers as well as an international audience through the website. All new publications will also have a digital version, making them more accessible and more visible than ever before." 

Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: "Portsmouth Papers are as relevant today as when they were first created in 1967 and remain a popular and trusted insight into Portsmouth's rich history. 

"To help celebrate Portsmouth100, a centenary of being a city, we have set up a website to relaunch the Portsmouth Papers for the digital age."   

The project is a joint venture between the 黑料正能量鈥檚 Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures and Portsmouth City Council.  

The Centre examines the past, present, and future of urban-maritime communities worldwide, focusing on research that highlights opportunities for cultural, heritage and community initiatives to support coastal areas facing social and economic challenges, reflecting its commitment to the University鈥檚 role as a civic university. 

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