hkskyline's 2024 in SOUTHAMPTON, UK

[hkskyline]

Southampton comes to mind when you go on a cruise or have a shipping container of goods coming into the UK.

Historically, it played a major role in British maritime history, being 1 of only 8 ports with export status in the 15th century, and seeing off the Mayflower in 1620 and the Titanic in 1912. While shipping remained important, the arrival of railways meant that the cargoes were loaded straight onto trains and left the city, so other industries could not take advantage and build on the port's activities.

Devastated by bombing during World War II, the city looks modern now although there are bits and pieces of historic landmarks in the centre.

I had initially come to try out their surprisingly large assortment of Chinese restaurants for a city of its size. Although there is no official Chinatown with the typical arched gateway entrance, I was able to find some authentic dim sum. This would be a good alternative than going to Colindale.











The Civic Centre was designed by E. Berry-Webber and completed in 1939 with a clock tower that offers a panoramic view of the city after a 215-step climb.



The Bargate was the city's main entrance during medieval times and served other uses such as the Guildhall and bomb shelter during World War II. 2 lions stand guard outside the entrance, which are believed to represent the legend of Sir Bevois. They were recently repaired in 2020-2021 and have been repainted into their original colours from 1743.















Southampton Castle was home to the king and his court while they were en route to France. Built after the Norman conquest, it was rebuilt in 1805 but demolished only 10 years later.





The Arcades were built following an attack in 1338 by the French and Genoese, forcing more protective defenses to be built.







The Tudor House was built between 1491-1518 by a wealthy lad, Sir John Dawtrey, who built Henry VIII's fleet. It was owned by various wealthy merchants but fell into decline as the city was hit by a depression since the mid-18th century. The area became a slum and slated for clearance but the building was saved by William Spranger in 1886. Council approached him to buy the house for a museum in 1905, but didn't agree on the price until an interested American wanted to buy it and ship the buildings to the US. It opened as a museum in 1912.









Continuing south, I soon reached the waterfront where a few cruise ships were parked as well as a ferry to the Isle of Wight.







More photos on my website : https://www.globalphotos.org/southampton.htm

[Murphy de la Sucre]

that food+dove=rat costs me some braincells.

first to think rat eats dove, second thought rat eats dove shit to survive.

finally figured out rat also eats dove food.

you could also be fined = you could also be ok (to feed or to be fed)

so the sign is basically a misleading in every way to foreigners. such a brilliant bad example for a warning sign

[Murphy de la Sucre]

such a pretty thread with less responses

[ColDayMan]

Thanks for the tour!

[geomorph]

I did not realize there were such historical remains in the city intermingled so closely with later development.