History of Southampton
Southampton, rich in maritime heritage and steeped in history, attracts visitors from around the globe. An interesting mix of old and modern, the city is one of the most unique in the country.
Maritime Heritage
Since its shipbuilding days in the Middle Ages Southampton has seen a long maritime history. Find out more|.
Aviation Tradition
As well as a strong maritime heritage, Southampton has seen a history of aviation marvels. Find out more|.
The Town
From the medieval town walls to the old bull ring Southampton town is full of history. Find out more|.
Open Spaces
Southampton boasts some of the largest open spaces in the country. Find out more|.
Museums and Galleries
Southampton is home to many museums and galleries that celebrate the city's vibrant history. Find out more|.
Mayflower Theatre
One of the largest theatres in the South of England,the Mayflower has had a turbulent history. Find out more|.
Sports
From football to cricket Southampton has a colourful history in sports. Find out more|.
Aviation Tradition
As well as a strong maritime heritage, Southampton has seen a history of aviation marvels. The Spitfire, designed for use by the RAF in World War II, was developed and manufactured in Woolston. The single-seat fighter plane was designed by Reginald Mitchell (one of the University's buildings is named after him).
Sir Robert MacLean, director of the company behind the plane, named it after his daughter, Ann. He used to call her 'a little spitfire.' The Hall of Aviation celebrates Southampton's contribution to aviation and is an appropriate memorial to the achievements of Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell.
Diverse Cultures
When you come to Southampton, you will meet lots of people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Minority ethnic groups account for about 5.5% of the British population; in Southampton they represent 4.9% of the total. Southampton has the largest concentration of black and ethnic minority groups in Hampshire; one third of the county's black and ethnic minority population live here.
As well as fellow students, you may also meet friends from your home country. Many ethnic groups have settled in Southampton, so you may also find a welcome in a local mosque, restaurant or community centre in the city. Southampton encourages opportunities for cultural groups to celebrate, share and develop their own distinctive cultures.
Art Asia develops high quality South Asian arts, music and dance and gives concerts, dance and drama performances by local, national and international artists.
The Afro-Caribbean Centre in Southampton has a wide and varied programme of events throughout the year, while at Harbour Lights Picture House, regular Bollywood screenings form an important part of the programme.
Maritime Heritage
Since its shipbuilding days in the Middle Ages Southampton has seen a long maritime history. Once the 'gateway to the world', the port has been a stop off for those on their travels to exotic locations. For some it was often their first glimpse of English soil.
One of the greatest natural harbours in the world, Southampton is now an international seaport. Its natural deep-water harbour means the port can accommodate large vessels, from container ships to cruise giants.
Since the Pilgrim Fathers stepped onboard the Mayflower for their voyage to the new world in 1620, the port has seen many of the world's greatest and largest liners regularly gracing its shores. The maiden voyage of the Titanic is one of the most memorable. A memorial to the engineers of the Titanic may be found in Andrews Park on Above Bar Street and the Maritime museum in Wool Hall includes a Titanic exhibition.
Southampton is also home to Europe's biggest on-water boat show which takes place every September. The show attracts visitors from around the globe.
The Mayflower Theatre
Despite being the largest theatre in the South of England, the Mayflower has had a turbulent history. The Empire Theatre, as it was known when it opened in 1928, has since seen numerous changes.
After silent films were replaced by 'talkies', audiences seemed to favour cinema over theatre. To meet this demand for film, the theatre partly converted into a cinema in the 1930s.
By the time Gaumont British Picture Corporation took over in 1942, the theatre was almost solely used as a cinema. But The Gaumont, as it was renamed, faced yet more competition – this time from television.
Threatened by closure, The Gaumont was included in a 'ready- made touring circuit' for pop artists keen to move onto the big stage. The grade II listed theatre has since been host to some of the greatest names in entertainment including Buddy Holly in 1958, The Beatles in 1963 and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.
After an application to covert the theatre to a bingo hall was rejected in 1983, it was bought by the Council. In 1987, it re-opened as The Mayflower with a production of Peter Pan starring Bonnie Langford.
Despite initially disappointing audiences, the introduction of pantomime revived the Mayflower's fortunes. The first pantomime to take a million pounds at the box office was Dick Whittington in 1994.
The theatre currently shows the latest on-tour West End shows.
Museums and galleries
Southampton is home to many museums and galleries that celebrate the city's vibrant history.
The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum, formerly the Wool House, explores Southampton's rich maritime heritage. Once a wool weighing warehouse, the museum includes an exhibition on the legendary RMS Titanic. Also on display are carvings made by Napoleonic prisoners.
Museum of Archaeology
Thirteenth century gatehouse God's house tower is now Southampton's Museum of Archaeology. The tower, which was converted into a jail in 1775, now displays finds from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval Southampton as well as Egyptian artefacts.
The Tudor House Museum and Garden
The Tudor House Museum and Garden on Bugle Street was once the family home of Ann Guidotti. Built in 1495 by Sir John Dawtrey of Petworth, the exceptional house has retained much of its Tudor charm, with original stone fireplace and ceilings.
Medieval Merchants House
The Medieval Merchants House on French Street is described as the most complete 13th century town house in Britain. Now maintained by English Heritage, the house miraculously survived the Blitz.
Southampton City Art Gallery
The Civic Centre houses the Southampton City Art Gallery. Boasting an impressive collection of European art, the gallery displays over 3,500 works of art in their permanent collection. Considered by the Government to carry special national significance, the gallery is the most visited in Southern England.
The Millais Gallery
The Millais Gallery, is named in honour of painter John Everett Millais. Born in Southampton in 1829, Millais is considered one of the greatest British artists. The gallery displays contemporary art and design exhibitions as well as historical and research based shows in and around the main Southampton Solent University campus.
Open Spaces
Described as 'one of the prettiest and healthiest towns in England', Southampton continues to boast some of the largest open spaces in the country. The 326 acre common dates back to medieval times.
The common was announced a public parks area following Acts of 1844 and 1865 making it the biggest area of public common in England. The beautiful park has since been host to many events including horseracing, agricultural shows and military camps. The reoccurring balloon and flower festivals are popular events.
The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre explores the history and wildlife of the Common.
The seven other parks around the city, once the town's arable land, are now awarded winning Green Flag Parks.
Sports
Football
Southampton's football team was founded in 1885 by members of the St Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association. Early practices took place on The Common until £10,000 stadium The Dell was built in 1898.
The club changed its name to Southampton FC and went on win the FA Cup in 1976. After 103 years at The Dell, the club moved to the new stadium in 2001. St Mary's is one of the only stadia in Europe that meets UEFA's Four Star Criteria. With a capacity of over 30,000, the stadium has had a huge impact on the city of Southampton.
Considerable investment over the last 10 years has seen the club's training facilities improve immensely. They are now thought to be among the best in the country.
Cricket
Southampton is also home to state-of-the-art cricket ground The Rose Bowl. Constructed in 2000, the ground has since witnessed numerous high-profile international cricket matches. With a £45million development plan underway, The Rose Bowl is set to be one of the greatest cricket and entertainment sites in the world.
Bowls
Bowls has a long established tradition in Southampton.The bowl game is thought to have been first played regularly on the Southampton Old Bowling Green in 1299. Established during the reign of Richard I, the world's oldest bowling green is still in use today.
The Town
Southampton's defensive walls, some of which remain as ruins today, were constructed following a raid by French soldiers in 1338. The walls are some of the best preserved examples of medieval town walls in the UK.
The original Norman arch dates back to about 1175 with the two towers added during the 13th century. Formerly the main entry into the city, the arch has since served both as prison and museum.
The buildings of either side of Bargate have since been demolished to allow traffic and pedestrians to pass, but the main arch has remained intact.
The High Street is situated on the site of an old bullring. Originally inhabited by Saxons, much of High Street was destroyed by during the Blitz in 1940. Extensive restoration work took place in the 50s. More recently, shopping centres such as Bargate and West Quay have been welcome additions to the city centre.