Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since
the Middle Ages. As a gateway to the country, over the centuries
Southampton has welcomed people from all over the world, as well as
being an important embarkation point, most famously for the Mayflower
and Titanic, the former evidence of its Nonconformist tradition. The
town grew rapidly following the building of the docks in the nineteenth
century and the development of the shipbuilding industry, particularly
with companies such as Thornycroft and Harland & Wolff and the aviation
industry as the birthplace of the Spitfire but its importance in the
Second World War, including its naval base, meant that it became a
target for aerial bombardment and much of the city was destroyed. In
subsequent decades the city was rebuilt and today has been redeveloped
as a commercial and financial centre, but retaining its many green
spaces, and proud of its traditions and the many famous names associated
with the city over the years. Building on the author's previous titles
Secret Southampton and A-Z of Southampton, Celebrating Southampton
chronicles the proud heritage of Southampton, its important moments and
what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout,
this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive
insight into Southampton's rich heritage, its special events and
important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the
history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who
have known it well over the years.
