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MAC Southampton - Historical Background
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Southampton was once known as the gateway to the world and people have long travelled through the city on the way to distant and exotic locations. But as one of the country's foremost commercial ports, Southampton has a unique cultural heritage and a few treasures of its own to offer.

The Titanic

The 20th century put the town on the map, when the magnificent but ill-fated Titanic sailed from Southampton docks on 10th April 1912. Glamourised on both television and celluloid, most famously in James Cameron's lavish Hollywood blockbuster, the doomed maiden voyage and its victims have long been honoured with the city's own monument. Located in East Park, the Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial is a true testament to those who died, particularly to the locals - in one school alone, 140 children lost a father, brother, cousin or uncle.

The Mayflower

But not all of Southampton's sea-faring past has been blighted by tragedy. The Mayflower, which proudly bore aloft America's founding Pilgrim Fathers, set sail from here in August 1620. The Mayflower Memorial, outside the Maritime Museum, and Southampton's premier theatre The Mayflower commemorate this historic quest.

From Canute to Henry V

It was in Southampton, in 1014, where the Viking Canute defeated Ethelred The Redeless and was pronounced King of England. According to a famous tale, Canute commanded the mighty waves of the Solent to retreat and had an impromptu paddle.

Following the Norman Conquest, Southampton grew prosperous as the main port of transit between Winchester and Normandy. During this time the town walls began to take shape, the remains of which are some of the finest examples in the country. But this is largely due to the fortifications which took place after the devastating raid by the French in 1338. The town became one of the strongest fortresses in the land - its encompassing wall measured up to 30 feet high in places and had no less than 29 towers and seven gates.

In 1415, Henry V left with his troops for France and the Battle of Agincourt. Prior to their departure, however, the King had to deal with a plot for treason. The traitors were tried and executed outside the Bargate, the medieval entrance to the town, and their heads were gruesomely displayed on spikes for the delight of the public.

From the 1700s to the 20th Century

Southampton's seawater hasn't always been the reason behind its popularity. From the 1750s to the 1800s, Southampton enjoyed its heyday as a spa town. People flocked to drink from the mineral springs and enjoy sea-bathing. The original queen of the spa town, Jane Austen, is said to have visited in 1807 and danced the night away at the The Dolphin Hotel, which survives to this day. The patronage of George II's son, Frederick Prince of Wales, who bathed there in 1750, probably did nothing to harm Southampton's reputation either. Sadly the water does not seem to have returned the favour, as he died the following year.

The 20th century was a turbulent time for Southampton. For the first time since 1338 the town was devastated by enemy attack. The German bombers of the Third Reich reduced 630 buildings to rubble and damaged a further 3500. But Southampton was not defeated, for it was from its docks that more than three million troops left for Normandy in the D-Day landings of 1944.

Southampton Today

Alternative glories Southampton has since enjoyed include the football team's FA Cup win in 1976, a triumph yet to be repeated, but hopes have been lifted with a new state-of-the-art premiership stadium about to open. A city facelift in general has enhanced a broad spectrum of facilities, including the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex and the country's seventh largest shopping mall – the enormous WestQuay shopping centre.

So while travellers pass through Southampton's port on their way to distant cultural capitals, shoppers flock to the High Street, which is actually on the site of an old bull-ring and just around the corner from the site of a Norman Castle, which in its time was host to Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Richard the Lion-Heart, who spent his only Christmas in England there. The parks, popular for picnics and walks, were once the town's arable land and main source of food. Their preservation makes Southampton unique among English towns.

And finally, whilst some visitors may stop to admire the QE2 harboured in Southampton's docks, it could possibly surprise them to know that Southampton is also the home of the Spitfire.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Bargate


Heavily defended tollgate
At the Old Town Medieval Walls
Southampton, Hampshire S014 2YD
United Kingdom
+44 2380 83 3333
This is the most distinctive and famous landmark in Southampton. Visible from the south end of the shopping centre, it was once a heavily defended tollgate, locked at dusk as sentries patrolled the walls. On the south side, interesting features include a 1605 watch bell, one of five originally in the town, a 1705 sundial that is six minutes out from GMT, a statue of George III imitating the classical style of the Emperor Hadrian and the old town lock ups, with graffiti dating from the 14th century. On the north side you can find 18th century shields, 13th century half-round drum towers, arrow slits and 18th century lions, part of an old Southampton legend.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bargate photo by ricksphotos101
Photo: ricksphotos101
Bargate photo by southampton-pubs.co.
Photo: southampton-pubs.co.
Bargate photo by Mike Whitfield
Photo: Mike Whitfield
Bargate photo by Alex Clark
Photo: Alex Clark
Bargate photo by Jon
Photo: Jon
Bargate photo by javic
Photo: javic
Bargate photo by Bjo San
Photo: Bjo San
Bargate photo by amtor
Photo: amtor
Bargate photo by Linda Sarris
Photo: Linda Sarris
Bargate photo by Steve Morley
Photo: Steve Morley
Bargate photo by Aoife McCarthy
Photo: Aoife McCarthy
Bargate photo by fredwimmer
Photo: fredwimmer
Bargate photo by string63
Photo: string63
Bargate photo by Rich 1975
Photo: Rich 1975
Bargate photo by Coradia1000
Photo: Coradia1000
Bargate photo by Katie
Photo: Katie
Bargate photo by Kat Miller
Photo: Kat Miller
Bargate photo by Mischa Tuffield
Photo: Mischa Tuffield
Bargate photo by Sue Waugh
Photo: Sue Waugh
 

 
Central Parks


Five city centre parks
City Centre
Southampton, Hampshire
United Kingdom
The Central Parks are the five parks located behind the Above Bar Street shopping area in Southampton. These are East, West (or Watts), Houndwell, Palmerston and Hoglands. They are home to notable monuments like the Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial and the Cenotaph, which was designed by Lutyens and later used by him as the basis for the design of the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Facilities include tennis, bowls and putting. Rare and old trees can also be viewed on special Tree Walks. Leaflets and further information may be obtained from the Leisure and Visitor Centre (The). The parks are included in English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest and were developed during the 19th century from common land previously farmed by medieval citizens.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Central Parks photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Dolphin Hotel


Medieval inn with a famous history
34-35 High Street
Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2HN
United Kingdom
+44 2380 33 9955
This hotel originally dates from medieval times and has a fascinating history. Shakespeare and company performed plays in the innyard, Thomas Hardy refers to it in Trumpet Major and Jane Austen danced here at Assembly Balls at two stages in her life (arranged by Florence Nightingale's mother). The hotel was rebuilt in 1775 to accommodate spa visitors and it supposedly has the biggest bow windows in England; Thackeray sat in one of them to write Pendennis. If you stay the night, you might share a room with Lord Nelson. He used to stay at the hotel and his ghost allegedly remains.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Dolphin Hotel photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Maritime Museum


A must-visit for Titanic fans
The Wool House
Town Quay
Southampton, Hampshire SO14 2AR
United Kingdom
+44 2380 22 3941
This museum is a must-visit for Titanic buffs. It contains a fascinating Titanic exhibition that includes a video of survivors and locals talking about the tragedy, plus such curiosities as the ornate panel Honour and Glory Crowning Time from Titanic's sister ship Olympic, Captain Smith's sword and a crew member's pocket watch stopped by icy Atlantic waters. Elsewhere in the museum, you will find a fleet of model ships from Southampton's past, a wide choice of White Star souvenirs and evidence of the museum's earlier history - as a jail for starving Napoleonic prisoners. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Maritime Museum photo by Roo Reynolds
Photo: Roo Reynolds
Maritime Museum photo by Stephen Humby
Photo: Stephen Humby
 

 
Mayflower Memorial


Commemorates the pilgrims' departure
Western Esplanade
Outside Western Gate
Southampton, Hampshire
United Kingdom
This memorial opposite Mayflower Park commemorates the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers in the Mayflower and the Speedwell from Southampton in August 1620. It was unveiled in 1913 and features a copper replica of the Mayflower plus plaques commemorating both the pilgrims and the 2 million US troops who left Southampton during World War II more than 300 years later. If you can officially trace your ancestry back to the pilgrims, you can have a plaque added to the memorial.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mayflower Memorial photo by Andrew Plumb
Photo: Andrew Plumb
Mayflower Memorial photo by p.livett@btinternet.com
Photo: p.livett@btinternet.com
 

 
Mayflower Theatre


Main theatre venue in Southampton
Commercial Road
Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1GE
United Kingdom
+44 2380 71 1811
http://www.the-mayflower.com
The Mayflower is Southampton's premier theatre venue. Conveniently located in the city centre, it hosts plays, musicals, ballet, opera and concerts, featuring a cornucopia of headline British and International actors, groups and companies. With many shows coming direct from the West End, the theatre attracts some of the biggest names in popular music and comedy. The Mayflower offers a high level of service and accessibility to disabled visitors. Ticket prices vary per performance, but average from GBP19-36, call for details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mayflower Theatre photo by Tom Goskar
Photo: Tom Goskar
Mayflower Theatre photo by LP Images
Photo: LP Images
Mayflower Theatre photo by Yangon Thu
Photo: Yangon Thu
 

 
Quays Swimming and Diving Complex


Swimming, diving, health and fitness
27 Harbour Parade
off West Quay
Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1BA
United Kingdom
+44 2380 72 0900
There is so much more to the Quays than just a swimming pool. It contains a fun pool, a 25-metre main pool with eight lanes, a diving pool and a sixty station fitness suite. It is advertised as "swimming, diving, health and fitness all in one place", so if your hotel or health club does not have a pool, dive in here. With a crèche, studio and a cafe on the premises, the Quays is an excellent all-round leisure venue. Special packages for regular users are available and family season tickets and corporate membership are also on offer. The hours below are for the main pool. The centre is served by the CityLoop bus service.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Quays Swimming and Diving Complex photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial


In memory of locals lost in the disaster
East Park
Southampton, Hampshire SO14 0YN
United Kingdom
This memorial honors the memory of local officers who served as engineers on the Titanic and were lost in the disaster. Erected by their fellow engineers and friends, it pays tribute to their "high conception of their duty and their heroism" for remaining at their posts as the ship went down. The memorial depicts an angel standing at the bow of a ship and lists the names of those lost. It sits at the cusp of East Park and can be viewed from Above Bar Street.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by idleformat
Photo: idleformat
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Paul Cummings
Photo: Paul Cummings
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Marc-Oliver Teschke
Photo: Marc-Oliver Teschke
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Paul Cummings
Photo: Paul Cummings
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Elmé Breedt
Photo: Elmé Breedt
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Arnar Steingrimsson
Photo: Arnar Steingrimsson
Titanic Engineer Officers Memorial photo by Sarawuth's Site
Photo: Sarawuth's Site
 

 
WestQuay


Enormous shopping centre
Above Bar Street
Southampton, Hampshire SO15 1BA
United Kingdom
+44 2380 236789
http://www.west-quay.co.uk
This $250 million centre in Southampton is one of the UK's top shopping facilities. It contains a huge John Lewis store and a large Marks & Spencer, along with 70 shop units. Major fashion retailers such as The Gap, Next and Habitat have moved in, alongside megastores such as Tower Records and Sports Soccer. The top floor food terrace contains restaurants and kiosks from the likes of Aroma, Costa Coffee, Haagen Dazs and Pizza Hut, while a panoramic window offers spectacular views over the Solent.

Review © 2007, Wcities
WestQuay photo by Rob Smart
Photo: Rob Smart
WestQuay photo by Ian Partridge
Photo: Ian Partridge
WestQuay photo by Tim Collins
Photo: Tim Collins
WestQuay photo by Sonja Pilkington
Photo: Sonja Pilkington
WestQuay photo by Karen White
Photo: Karen White
WestQuay photo by Duncan Geddes
Photo: Duncan Geddes
WestQuay photo by Steve Cooper
Photo: Steve Cooper
WestQuay photo by Duncan Toms
Photo: Duncan Toms
WestQuay photo by Arpit Agarwal
Photo: Arpit Agarwal
WestQuay photo by Sebastian Stein
Photo: Sebastian Stein
WestQuay photo by Lee Webb
Photo: Lee Webb
WestQuay photo by Julia Jenkins
Photo: Julia Jenkins
WestQuay photo by Mark Blackmore
Photo: Mark Blackmore
 

 
Winchester


England's old capital
Off the Roman Road
Southampton, Hampshire SO23 9LJ
United Kingdom
+44 1962 84 0222
http://www.winchester.gov.uk
Winchester is one of the most historic towns in Britain. An important regional centre in Roman times, it was the capital of England during the reign of Alfred the Great. Its centrepiece is a stunning cathedral where Mary Tudor married and Jane Austen lies buried alongside ancient kings of England. Also pay a visit to the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, where a Round Table with possible connections to the mythical King Arthur hangs on the wall. You can wander through luscious water meadows to St Cross, in the footsteps of Keats, then round off your day with a drink at a traditional English pub, like The Old Monk.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Winchester photo by Khairoun Abji
Photo: Khairoun Abji
Winchester photo by Tony Lepage
Photo: Tony Lepage
Winchester photo by Mike Fooks
Photo: Mike Fooks
Winchester photo by Julie Markee
Photo: Julie Markee
Winchester photo by Matt Quelch
Photo: Matt Quelch
Winchester photo by Janine
Photo: Janine
Winchester photo by jacklatt
Photo: jacklatt
Winchester photo by Pieter Stok
Photo: Pieter Stok
Winchester photo by Steve Broadbank
Photo: Steve Broadbank
Winchester photo by Frits van den Dop
Photo: Frits van den Dop
Winchester photo by kevin davies
Photo: kevin davies
Winchester photo by Sally Kromberg
Photo: Sally Kromberg
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Southampton - Historical Background"
Southampton
Southampton - Neighborhood Guide
Southampton - Where to Stay
Southampton - Dining & Drinking
Southampton - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Bath (85 miles)
Brighton (88 miles)
Oxford (97 miles)
Bristol (106 miles)
London (123 miles)
Cardiff (145 miles)
Cambridge (177 miles)
Birmingham (182 miles)
Plymouth (203 miles)
Sheffield (276 miles)

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