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Home > Research Zone > History of Southampton
History of Southampton
History of Southampton
Southampton - granted city status by Royal Charter in 1964 is a lively city of contrasts, combining the historic and the modern, with so much for everyone.
Come and explore for yourself, stroll in lovely city centre parks restored to their Victorian splendour, enjoy the city's superb shopping centres and stores, watch the shipping on Southampton Water, take a boat trip, explore the city's rich culture and long history, try the wide range of leisure and sports facilities, relax in a restaurant, club or bar, walk the Titanic Trail to find memorials to, and memories of, the tragic story of the ship lost on its maiden voyage.
Some significant dates in Southampton History
Mid 1st - Mid 5th century Roman Occupation at Clausentum
Mid 6th century - Foundation of Saxon town of Hamwic
9th-10th century - Viking raids on the town
Late 10th century - Saxons moved from Hamwic to higher ground
1070 - Normans began building St Michael's Church
1196 Foundation of the Maison Dieu Hospice
Late 12th century - Building of the Bargate began
1228 - Common purchased for the citizens of Southampton
1290 - Water conduit built from Springhill to the Friary
1299 - Earliest mention of Old Bowling Green
1338 - Raid on town by French/Genoese pirates
1343 - Maison Dieu Hospice endowed to the Queen's College, Oxford
1346 - Edward III and the Black Prince sail for Battle of Crecy
1348 - Black Death killed quarter of population
1415 - Henry V's army sailed for Battle of Agincourt
1554 - Philip of Spain arrived to marry Mary Tudor
1567 - St Julien's Chapel granted to Walloon/French refugees for religous services
1620 - Departure of Pilgrim Fathers in 'Mayflower' and 'Speedwell'
1665 -Great Plague killed 1700 inhabitants
Mid and late 18th century - 'Spa' period when the town enjoyed Royal patronage and became a popular bathing resort.
1833 - Royal Pier opened by Princess Victoria and Duchess of Kent
1840- London to Southampton railway line completed
1842 - First ship arrived in the new Outer Dock, the first part of Southampton Docks to be built (now part of the Eastern Docks)
1848 and 1866 - Chloera epidemics
1885 - Formation of St Mary's (later Saints) Football Club
1907 - White star commenced sailings from Southampton
1912 - R.M.S. "Titanic" sank on maiden voyage - over 1500 passengers/crew died
1913 - Mayflower Memorial erected
1932 - Duke of York (later King George VI) opened the Civic Centre (Municipal Block)
1933 - King George V opened New Western Docks and Graving Dock
1938 - Sports Centre opened
30 Nov -1 Dec 1940 Heaviest air raids on the town
June 1944 D-Day invasion fleet sailed for Normandy
1964 - Southampton became a city
1968 - First ship arrived in Container Docks
Some useful web sites: