Discount Hotels Southampton
Historical interest: Southampton
    
Early Roman colonisers settled in nearby Winchester (then called Venta Belgarum)
in the 1st century and soon noticed the strategic usefulness of the Southampton
Water inlet. An outpost, Clausentum was therefore establish in the area. By
the early fifth century, the Anglos, Saxons and Jutes had free reign over Southern
England and a more permanent settlement, named Hamtum, was established on the
present site of the city.
Trade thrived and in the 10th C. Suohamtun, as it was now called, came under
attack from maurauding Vikings. The infamous Viking King Canute was crowned
in Southampton and it was here that he unsuccessfully commanded the sea to retreat
(the Solent).
Under William the Conqueror, Southampton prospered as nearby Winchester became
the Capital. By the mid 12th C. the Normans had built a defensive wall around
the city, parts of which still remain today.
This important port came under attack from the French, Genoese and Sicilians
at the beginning of the 100 year war, and was subsequently sacked. In response
new fortifications were built, including the famous 7 gateways and 29 towers.
The sailing of the Mayflower in August 1620 was another significant milestone
in the city's history. The Pilgrim Fathers aboard this ship bequeathed the names
Delaware River, Bay and State, the Hampton River and Road, and Southampton,
NY on important places in their newly founded continent of America. Almost 300
years later another famous ship, the Titanic, was last seen leaving Southampton
in April 1912.
By the 1700s Southampton had become a popular Spa town for the wealthy after
receiving a personal endorsement from Prince Frederick of Wales. Later the town
was to fill up with troops bound for the Napoleonic wars.
During the First World War, Southampton once again became an important military
garrison, and following the end of the war the city entered its golden era as
a port, with cruise liners regularly departing from the quayside. Concurrently
the commercial docks rivaled London, Liverpool and Bristol for importance. During
WWII the city again played an important part, this time in the D-Day preparations.
Today Southampton continues to prosper as a vibrant Cosmopolitan City wealthy
in industry, culture, entertainment, heritage, history, parks, shopping, sport
and much more.
Selection of hotels in this region:
The Dolphin Hotel | | Travelodge Southampton | | Jurys Inn Southampton | | Premier Travel Inn Southampton City Centre | | Southampton Park Hotel | | Marriott Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club Golf Package | | Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club | | De Vere Grand Harbour | | Novotel Southampton | | Hilton Southampton | | Holiday Inn Southampton | | Holiday Inn Eastleigh | | Marriott Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club | | Express by Holiday Inn Southampton West | | Chilworth Manor | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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