The History of Southampton

Southampton is believed to have been inhabited since the Stone Age. It was once called Porth Hamon, after Lelius Hamo, a traitor who murdered the King during the Roman invasion of Britain. Much later, during the Anglo-Saxon period, the settlement grew into a relatively large settlement to the West of the Itchen River. This evolved into Hampton, which is where the country of Hampshire gets its name from. Its growth has continued to this day.

The Port and Docks

Southampton’s port has played an important role in the City’s history. It has been important for employment in the area, and has at times been crucial to imports into Britain and played its part in both World Wars.

It first came to prominence during the 13th Century, in part due to wine imports from France. Among noticeable departures from Southampton was the Mayflower’s sailing to the United States in 1620, then know as the “New World”.

The Southampton Docks Company was founded in 1835, with the docks opened in 1842. Largely due to this the railway link between the City and London opened in 1840. During this period the Southampton Docks became known as “The Gateway to the Empire” as it was seen as the main entrance point into the British Empire (this was before air travel).

In the Middle Ages shipbuilding became an important industry for Southampton, which continued to be the case into the present century. On 10th April 1912 the Titanic famously left Southampton for its maiden voyage that ended in disaster and the loss of 1,517 lives.

During World War 1 and World War 2 ships were built and repaired in Southampton. It was central to the preparation for the Invasion of Europe in 1944. During World War 2 it was attacked on numerous occasions killing 630 people in total and injuring over 2,000.

Southampton has been the home port of both the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth cruise liners.

Southampton’s Walls

In 1338 Southampton was attacked by France. This caused Edward III to order walls to be built to close the City in and avoid or limit the damage of further attacks. Its building was completed during the following century. Some of the walls still exist to this day as do some of the accompanying towers and gates.

Other Significant Moments in Southampton’s History

During the English Civil War of 1642-1651 Parliament Troops were stationed in Southampton. Royalists attempted to take the City and got close, but were eventually forced out. During Victorian times Southampton expanded significantly. Its population grew and much development occurred. In 1740 the City became a Spa town, with Spa’s built in the area that is now home to the West Quay Shopping Centre.

As mentioned earlier, World War 2 took its toll on Southampton. As well as the loss of life much of its buildings were damaged and large parts of it was levelled. A large amount of redevelopment has taken place since. Southampton currently has a population of around 235,000.

Andrew Marshall (c)

For Solicitors Southampton visit the Lester Aldridge website.