Editing Southsea (section)

===20th century===
Southsea continued to grow eastwards in the early 20th century, extending to the area of [[Eastney]]. During this time significant local public buildings were constructed including the [[Queens Hotel (Southsea)|Queens Hotel]], in the [[Edwardian Baroque architecture|Edwardian Baroque style]] built in 1903 and the [[Kings Theatre, Southsea|Kings Theatre]] built in 1907. The onset of [[World War I]] saw an increase in fortifications on the seafront. Parades were held on Southsea Common. Southsea continued to thrive as a resort destination and a suburb of Portsmouth in the inter-war years, with many visitors in summer. At that time parts of the Common were converted into ornamental gardens and the Ladies' Mile was set out in 1925.<ref>Quail, Sarah (2000) ''Southsea Past'', Philimore Publishing. pp.88–102</ref> However [[World War II]] had an immense impact on the urban and social fabric of the area. Huge areas of Southsea were destroyed by bombing during [[The Blitz]]. Although some of Victorian Southsea escaped the bombing, areas such as the Kings Road and Elm Grove were extensively damaged and the Palmerston Road shopping areas were completely destroyed. The beachfront, piers and promenades were closed for the duration of the war.<ref>Quail, Sarah (2000) ''Southsea Past'', Philimore Publishing. p.113</ref> Following the end of the war, in 1945 Southsea and the rest of Portsmouth embarked on a massive clearance and rebuilding scheme. Many areas of destroyed, damaged and intact low-income housing were cleared to make way for new building schemes. The Kings Road Estate and Roslyn House, among others, were developed between 1945 and the 1970s. Palmerston Road shopping area was developed in the 1950s and still stands today.<ref>Quail, Sarah (2000) ''Southsea Past'', Philimore Publishing. pp.116–117</ref> Although visitor numbers to the resort area never recovered, Southsea continued to develop throughout the 20th century and today remains a mixed residential area and leisure destination.<ref>Quail, Sarah (2000) ''Southsea Past'', Philimore Publishing. p.120</ref>