Sea the History
Southampton’s
Relationship with the Sea
By Jake Simpkin
Southampton is one of the
greatest natural harbours in the world, benefiting from four tides
a day, and facing one of the world’s
busiest waterways. Southampton’s relationship with the
sea has always rested on its people’s ability to make the most
of its natural advantages. Romans, Saxons, and medieval merchants
have all prospered in turn. And today, Southampton is at the
centre of the UK’s cruise line industry, with a record breaking
720,000 passengers passing through the port last year. It’s
the biggest vehicle terminal, and one of the county’s most
successful container ports. Overall, an estimated 16,000 jobs are
port related.
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Tragically, history has shown that success often brings
disaster in its wake. The medieval town was ravaged in 1338. In
more recent times, the loss of the Titanic, and the bombing of WW2, has
devastated the town, and port.
Southampton was at the centre of trooping the Empire,
and in time of war has witnessed the embarkation of great armies. It
was pivotal to the D-Day landings, and in the last year of WW2 over three
and a half million troops embarked from the port.
However, it is the quayside feelings of excitement and
sadness associated with arrival and departure felt by pilgrims, soldiers,
emigrants and war brides alike that are most poignant, and continue to
echo down the ages.
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Southampton Revealed DVD
Join Jake Simpkin on a journey of discovery as he peels back the layers
of Southampton rich and varied history. On sale at Borders bookstore
in West Quay Retail Park, at museums in the city, priced £12.99. Also
at www.jakesimpkin.org |
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