New memorial installed in historic Victoria Park
Portsmouth has a new civic feature after the council installed a stone bench in Victoria Park to honour the International Brigades and residents of the city who fought fascism during the Spanish Civil War. The bench, carved from granite, is placed adjacent to the Worker’s Memorial in the north‑east corner of the park, close to the children's play area.
The project grew from conversations between Portsmouth City Council, local trade unions and community groups. It is intended to be both a place of remembrance and a point of public education about the city’s historical ties to international solidarity, democracy and social justice.
“This new bench serves as an important tribute to those who volunteered to defend freedom abroad, just as many are doing the same in Ukraine today, and to the generations who have continued to promote these ideals in Portsmouth.”
The comment above was made by Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport. The council says the bench provides a lasting space within one of Portsmouth’s long‑established public parks where people can reflect on the past and learn about the city’s political traditions.
Practical details and local context
The new feature sits in a well‑used area of Victoria Park where families and residents often pass. Park users will now encounter a permanent marker that links a local labour history to an international episode of 20th‑century politics. The council emphasises the bench’s role in remembrance and in fostering discussion about civic values.
- Material: Granite
- Location: North‑east of Victoria Park, next to Worker’s Memorial
- Purpose: Commemoration, reflection, education
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Installed by | Portsmouth City Council |
| Nearby landmark | Worker’s Memorial |
| Community partners | Local trade unions and community groups |
Victoria Park, one of the city’s historic open spaces, already contains several memorials and recreational facilities. This latest addition further emphasises the park’s role as a civic landscape where the public can engage with local history. The council has positioned the bench so it is visible to passers‑by and accessible to visitors of all ages.
Those seeking more information about the bench or the history it commemorates can contact Portsmouth City Council or local heritage and community organisations involved in the project. The council has indicated the installation is intended to be a long‑term fixture and a prompt for continued public conversation about Portsmouth’s past and its values.
