The city is rich in history, with early origins as the Roman town of Claustentum, through Saxon times as Hamwic, to the medieval Southampton. There is so much to know - learn more below.
Southampton is a thriving modern city but you don't have to explore too far to discover its amazing past.
Below the modern streets can be found evidence of occupation from prehistoric times to the present, including important Roman and Saxon settlements, and the late Saxon and medieval town and villages that laid the basis for the modern city and suburbs. The unique location at the head of Southampton Water early on became an important trading post and later a port.
Large parts of the centre of Southampton were destroyed during the Second World War. However some important medieval buildings and structures survive, along with buildings dating to the 19th century redevelopment of the town. These include the Wool House (Maritime Museum), Medieval Merchants House, God's House Tower (Museum of Archaeology), Tudor House Museum, and a superb length of restored medieval town walls.
Southampton has important archives, collections and other sources for local and family history research. The city also has a unique Oral History Unit, recording the memories of local people.
For more information about Southampton's archaeology, buildings and monuments, Oral History projects and historical sources, follow the links below. For information about museums in the city, follow the Internal Link on the right.
Text courtesy of Southampton City Council
Visit Southampton hosts vast information about the history of Southampton.
Guided Walks are provided by the Southampton Tourist Guides Association these include free public walks, Medieval Walls and Vaults, Jane Austen's Southampton, Pirates, Perils & Plots, In the Steps of the Pilgrim Fathers and the Titanic Trial.
In the Southampton City Council Local History and Heritage, you will find all you want to know about the rich past of Southampton.
Including information on:
Archives from Southampton in 1199 to the present day
Archaeology gives information about Southampton's rich archaeological remains, and archaeological services.
Oral History Unit is an archive of live story interviews and projects recording history of local communities, training in oral history methodology, exhibition and publications.
Museums service showcases exhibitions, displays, information and education.
Historic Buildings and Monuments gives information about Southampton's historic buildings and monuments.
Genealogy service can assist you in finding records of burials which have taken place in the city.
Find out about two important historic maps of Southampton - the 1846 map and the 1870 town plan - now available on-line.
Cenotaph war memorial is situated in West Park and built in 1919. This link, from Southampton City Council, gives you information about this famous cenotaph including a list of inscribed names.
Southampton Trails, such as Jane Austen, and Titanic are listed on the Visit Southmapton website.
Medieval Southampton
Post-Medieval Southampton
Prehistoric Southampton
Roman Southampton
Saxon Southampton