The City of Southampton
built
on a rich tradition of enterprise and commerce that stretches
back literally 1000's of years, the first city defences being
built against Viking raiders, who were quick to recognise the
advantages of a wealthy trading port in sheltered waters.The wealth of the City was built around the developing port both for both commercial trade and passenger services, the growth of which being dramatically encouraged by the development of the Railways in the Victorian era.
Prior to the development of Airlines, Southampton was the South of England's “Gateway to the World” with fleets of Ocean Liners competing for space in the well established docks and a fashionable departure point for the USA or other Global destinations, which the grandiose façades of former Grand Hotels and Shipping Offices will bear witness.
The fashionable popularity of the city in former eras is also shown by the formal parks and gardens, which are a feature of the city centre.
Today the City homes a population of about 290,000 people with about 28,000 students as temporary residents, which can leave certain parts of the City looking decidedly empty during holiday periods. This means that education has grown as a major second industry to the Docks and a major employer as well, with general benefits to the City in terms of diversity of both facilities and cultures.
The City is well served by arts facilities associated with the Universities such as the Nuffield Theatre as well as its own facilities such as the City art gallery and library, which house some respectable and interesting collections. Independent theatres such as the Mayflower Theatre still flourish as do a number of Cinemas catering for both popular and cultural tastes.
As with an University City the City centre reflects the the requirements of the Student population, so Nightclubs vie with academia, though on top of this is the development of several major shopping Malls, the largest of which being West Quay. In consequence Southampton boasts a massive range of retail therapy for those in need. Everything from stores the size of Ikea down to small independent shops for more specialist requirements, such as Frenches Shoes and Boots which has serviced local feet for more than 200 years and is to be found in Bedford Place, just North of the City Centre.
Finally no City would be complete without a Football Team and the Saints ground now resides in St Mary's, on east of the side of the City. The modern and well equipped stadium being built in recent years to take over from the more diminutive ground formally at the “The Dell”.
The Hampshire Cricket ground – “The Rosebowl”, is also not that far away, just a few miles to the east of the City limits.
The City of Southampton