About Portland Street

Portland Street from Church Street

Photo by Maureen Brand

Portland Street

A brief history

By Maureen Brand, North Laine resident

Built 1780-9, Portland Street runs from Church Street through to North Street. It is now a mix of mostly 20th century properties. A long term derelict site is at the Church Street end.

19th century businesses

In 1868 the street contained a coffee house, paperhanger, the Brassfounders' Arms, two bootmakers, tailors, dressmakers, upholsterer, builders, baker, engraver and lithographer/printer, jeweller, tailor, insurance agency, wastepaper stores, iron and zinc works, and stay and corset maker.

20th century businesses

In 1974 four businesses were listed: Watts & Co (builders), Patching & Son (building contractors), Blabers Portland Foundry (brass founders) and Clifford of Brighton (motor spares). Blabers at No 45 worked in sand-cast in bronze, aluminium or brass, made spanners, small marine castings, railings and lamp posts and brass fittings for the Bluebell Railway.