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10 Must See Landmarks To Unearth Southamptons History

Young women pointing at signpost map of Southampton

10 Must-see Landmarks Unearthing Southampton’s History

Post date: 16th May 2019
Written by: The Visit Southampton Team

Southampton is a bustling coastal city drenched in history, with roots dating as far back as the Stone Age. Here are 10 places to visit to find out more about Southampton’s past.

1. The Bargate

The iconic Bargate has been a symbol for Southampton since the 12th Century. It was constructed in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city and was considered the main entrance to the old town of Southampton.

Lady walking through Tudor House's Garden, Southampton

2. Tudor House and Garden

Tudor House is one of Southampton’s most important historic buildings. Built in the late 15th Century, it offers visitors a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of the city and its residents through the years.

Frontage of Holyrood Church on a partly sunny day

3. Holyrood Church

Holyrood Church was one of five original churches which served the old walled town of Southampton. After it was bombed during The Blitz in WW2, the ruins were preserved and dedicated as a memorial to the sailors of the Merchant Navy.

Titanic Engineers' Memorial, Southampton

4. Titanic Engineers’ Memorial

Located in East Park since 1914, The Titanic Engineers’ Memorial is an impressive bronze and granite statue dedicated to the brave engineers who lost their lives when the ill-fated RMS Titanic sank in 1912.

5. St Michael’s Church

Founded in 1070, St Michael’s Church is the oldest building still in use in Southampton. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of interesting features, including the Norman tower, an unusual black marble front and a sculpture of St Michael by Josefina de Vasconcellos.

Young family walking by Mayflower Pilgrims Memorial

6. Mayflower Pilgrims’ Memorial

While many believe the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth, their actual departure point was right here in Southampton. This monument was built in 1913 to commemorate the sailing of the Mayflower from Southampton Quay in 1620.

Medieval Merchant House frontage on a bright blue sky summer day

7. Medieval Merchant’s House

The Medieval Merchant’s House is a restored late-13th century building, tucked away from the busy city centre. It was first built circa 1290 by prosperous merchant John Fortin, and has survived hundreds of years of domestic and commercial use (open 1^st April - 30^th September on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am-4pm).

8. Southampton Old Cemetery

Located in the heart of Southampton Common, Southampton Old Cemetery is one of England’s earliest municipal cemeteries. It covers almost 30 acres and includes a number of graves associated with the Titanic, the Battle of Waterloo and the Indian Mutiny.

Back of Watergate Ruin in Southamptons Town Quay

9. The Watergate Ruin

Just a few steps away from Westquay Shopping Centre, you’ll find the remains of one of the most important parts on Southampton’s fortification walls, The Watergate Ruin, which provided secure access from the commercial part of the city’s Old Town to Town Quay.

10. Eling Tide Mill

One of only two remaining operating tide mills in the United Kingdom, Eling Tide Mill has been harnessing the power of the tide to grind wheat into flour in Eling for more than 900 years.