History
Archaeological finds suggest that the area of Southampton has been inhabited since the stone age. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Southampton became the major port of transit between the then capital of England, Winchester, and Normandy. Southampton Castle was built in the 12th century and by the 13th century, Southampton had become a leading port, particularly involved in the import of French wine in exchange for English cloth and wool. During the Middle Ages, shipbuilding became an important industry for the town. Henry V's famous warship HMS Grace Dieu was built in Southampton.
Archaeological finds suggest that the area of Southampton has been inhabited since the stone age. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Southampton became the major port of transit between the then capital of England, Winchester, and Normandy. Southampton Castle was built in the 12th century and by the 13th century, Southampton had become a leading port, particularly involved in the import of French wine in exchange for English cloth and wool. During the Middle Ages, shipbuilding became an important industry for the town. Henry V's famous warship HMS Grace Dieu was built in Southampton.
From 1904 to 2004, the Thornycroft shipbuilding yard was a major employer in Southampton, building and repairing ships used in the World Wars. Southampton became a spa town in 1740. It had also become a popular site for sea bathing by the 1760s, despite the lack of a good quality beach. Innovative buildings specifically for this purpose were built at West Quay, with baths that were filled and emptied by the flow of the tide.
The town experienced major expansion during the Victorian era. The Southampton Docks company had been formed in 1835. In October 1838 the foundation stone of the docks was laid and the first dock opened in 1842. The structural and economic development of docks continued for the next few decades. The railway link to London was fully opened in May 1840. Southampton subsequently became known as The Gateway to the Empire. The port was the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620.
In 1912, the RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton. Four in five of the crew on board the vessel were from Southampton, with about a third of those who perished in the tragedy hailing from the city. Southampton was the home port for transatlantic liners, such as the RMS Queen Mary and
RMS Queen Elizabeth owned by Cunard. In 1938, Southampton docks also became home to the flying boats of Imperial Airways. Southampton Container Terminals first opened in 1968 and has continued to expand.
Nowadays, Southampton still has a rich maritime tradition. Large cruise ships arrive in the city's 4 cruise terminals most days.
Top Things To See
The SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with the Titanic and the sea. Visiting SeaCity Museum will bring maritime history to life through artifacts and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
Southampton's Old Town is well worth a visit. This magical part of the city boasts famous residents and visitors including the Pilgrim Brothers, William the Conqueror, Jane Austen and even William Shakespeare is believed to have visited the Dolphin Hotel and performed in the courtyard. As you alk along the streets, you will truly be transported back in time!
No trip to Southampton is complete without taking part in 'ship spotting'. Southampton is the cruise capital of the UK, so there is usually at least one ship docked each day. The best places to catch a glimpse of the ships as they are docked or are departing is Mayflower Park and Town Quay. Just a short ferry ride across the water is Hythe. This is also a popular place to view the ships.
The town experienced major expansion during the Victorian era. The Southampton Docks company had been formed in 1835. In October 1838 the foundation stone of the docks was laid and the first dock opened in 1842. The structural and economic development of docks continued for the next few decades. The railway link to London was fully opened in May 1840. Southampton subsequently became known as The Gateway to the Empire. The port was the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620.
In 1912, the RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton. Four in five of the crew on board the vessel were from Southampton, with about a third of those who perished in the tragedy hailing from the city. Southampton was the home port for transatlantic liners, such as the RMS Queen Mary and
RMS Queen Elizabeth owned by Cunard. In 1938, Southampton docks also became home to the flying boats of Imperial Airways. Southampton Container Terminals first opened in 1968 and has continued to expand.
Nowadays, Southampton still has a rich maritime tradition. Large cruise ships arrive in the city's 4 cruise terminals most days.
Top Things To See
The SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with the Titanic and the sea. Visiting SeaCity Museum will bring maritime history to life through artifacts and interactive experiences designed for all ages.
Southampton's Old Town is well worth a visit. This magical part of the city boasts famous residents and visitors including the Pilgrim Brothers, William the Conqueror, Jane Austen and even William Shakespeare is believed to have visited the Dolphin Hotel and performed in the courtyard. As you alk along the streets, you will truly be transported back in time!
No trip to Southampton is complete without taking part in 'ship spotting'. Southampton is the cruise capital of the UK, so there is usually at least one ship docked each day. The best places to catch a glimpse of the ships as they are docked or are departing is Mayflower Park and Town Quay. Just a short ferry ride across the water is Hythe. This is also a popular place to view the ships.