​​Portsmouth Townhall was built in 1890 and adopted as the symbolic heart of the city. In 1926 when Portsmouth was raised to city status it was renamed Guildhall.  

​During the Second World War, many entertainment venues in Portsmouth were destroyed through German bombing. Restaurants, cinemas and theatres were closed, destroyed or both, such as the Portsmouth Hippodrome.​ 

​Guildhall Square filled the gaps left across the city. It became the site of open-air canteens, providing meals in mobile and street kitchens. These were located in the spaces in front of the Great war memorial to the right of the Guildhall building and stretched into Victoria Park, just behind the Guildhall. It aimed to partially fill the bellies of the 3000 civilians left homeless. 

​Reduction of entertainment was not limited to Portsmouth but spread across the country, leading to the rise in popularity of mobile entertainment such as travelling cinema vans. Outside the Guildhall steps vans would display popular films and rally morale. 

​On 10 January 1941, 2,314 fires tore across the city. Portsmouth glowed red and orange, caused by three showers of incendiary bombs combined with high explosive shells from the Luftwaffe. Several bombs made direct contact with Portsmouth Guildhall. The building suffered irrevocable damage to the interior and roof, however the outer walls survived, reflecting the city’s strength and determination. Shortly afterwards on 6 February, a royal party visited Portsmouth and their trip included a tour of the heavily damaged Guildhall. The visit was met with a hardy and triumphant welcome with upbeat chants and humorous exchanges between residents and the King.  

​Guildhall Square was also a popular celebratory destination to mark the war’s end. The square continued to be a place for the community to gather, and street parties and bonfires filled the space with dancing and cheering. ​ 

​Throughout the war the Guildhall became the space that embodied the spirit of Portsmouth civilians. It reflected the destruction, determination and love of resident's experiences. ​