Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire and is located on the south coast of England approximately 120km south-west of London. With a population of approximately 230,000 residents, Southampton is a major city and the fourth largest port in Britain, and is particularly well known for its handling of a large number of luxury cruise ships and container vessels. Located at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the River Test and River Itchen, this historic city boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Visitors to Southampton will be pleased to note the range of historic attractions, the vibrant nightlife, exciting retail opportunities and varied leisure facilities that are available and which make the city an appealing tourist destination.
Southampton has a colourful history which really begins with the Romans who left evidence of their activities in the area through the remains of roads and ruins, and continues in the 10th century when a substantial fortified Saxon settlement existed on the eastern bank of the River Test. From here the city of Southampton coalesced into an important medieval walled port and witnessed the growth of the city as it became a wealthy and substantial trading centre. It is the impact of the port and its trade which has directly influenced the development of this southern city which, over the years, has witnessed many important events such as the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620, the launching of the ‘Titanic’ in 1912 and the design and development of the Spitfire aircraft of World War II.
Due to its importance as a commercial port, Southampton was a major target of the German Luftwaffe during World War II and suffered from several bombing raids which caused a great deal of damage to the city. After the war extensive re-development of Southampton occurred but unfortunately many of the historic buildings had been destroyed. Those that did survive include the 15th century traditional timber-framed Tudor buildings of Westgate Hall, formerly known as the Tudor Merchant’s Hall, and the Tudor House, which is considered to be one of Southampton’s most important historic buildings and today houses a museum relating the history of the building. There are also large sections of the medieval town walls still standing which incorporate God’s Tower House that contains the Museum of Archaeology. The museum relates the story of Southampton from prehistoric times to the present day, and includes several objects from ancient Egypt. There is also the 14th century Wool House that is used to house the popular Maritime Museum which includes a permanent Titanic exhibition, and if museums are your thing the Hall of Aviation. Here the museum depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area and includes items of R.J. Mitchell, who was the designer of the legendary Spitfire aircraft. For the shoppers amongst us the city offers WestQuay, one of the largest retail centres in England with approximately 100 shops.
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