The history of a settlement at Southampton and its role as a major port
on the south coast goes back to Roman times and beyond. Convenient as a
crossing point to Normandy and the rest of France, Southampton grew in
importance in the Middle Ages, evidenced today by the remains of the
city walls and other surviving medieval buildings. As well as continuing
to grow as a port and centre of shipbuilding, Southampton also developed
itself as a spa town in the eighteenth century and expanded greatly
after the foundation of the docks in the next century. Despite the
ravages of the destruction wrought on Southampton through aerial
bombardment in the Second World War, the city is a thriving business and
commercial centre today where the old sits alongside the new. A-Z of
Southampton delves into the history of this Hampshire city. It
highlights well-known landmarks and famous residents, and digs beneath
the surface to uncover some of the lesser-known facts about Southampton
and its hidden gems. This fascinating A-Z tour of Southampton's history
is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in
this historical city.
