Perils and Plots
This is a walk through the old town of Southampton, spanning its ‘hidden’ history, from Norman times up to and including the Second World War. At each stopping point emphasis is given to some of the more heinous crimes and / or events that took place there, throughout the ages.
Shipping in and out of Southampton, like other major ports, was constantly threatened by pirates throughout medieval times, and the town itself was raided in the year 1338 by a very large pirate fleet. The effect this had is outlined at several points where the pirates did their ‘foul deeds’.
Medieval times were particularly perilous for townsfolk. ‘Natural’ events such as fire and flood were constant hazards. Disease was also prevalent and many parts of the town on the walk, were particularly prone to major outbreaks. ‘Acts of sedition’ and criminal activities were severely punished throughout the ages and several sites covered by the walk, mark where such punishments were carried out.
Southampton has had more than its fair share of political and commercial plotting – from the plot against Henry V on his way to the Battle of Agincourt, to the plotting of ‘big business’ to hide the true facts behind the “Stella” disaster, in 1899. Where, when, why and how such plotting occurred is a major feature of the tour.
Wartime Southampton was particularly dangerous for the townsfolk and many stories covering the six year long Second World War and the role played by Southampton in its successful outcome are interspersed throughout the walk. A special feature of this walk is a visit to an underground medieval vault (accessed by a spiral staircase), that was utilised as an air raid shelter during that war, which remains almost exactly as it was left at the cessation of hostilities.
This is a walk through the old town of Southampton, spanning its ‘hidden’ history, from Norman times up to and including the Second World War. At each stopping point emphasis is given to some of the more heinous crimes and / or events that took place there, throughout the ages.
Shipping in and out of Southampton, like other major ports, was constantly threatened by pirates throughout medieval times, and the town itself was raided in the year 1338 by a very large pirate fleet. The effect this had is outlined at several points where the pirates did their ‘foul deeds’.
Medieval times were particularly perilous for townsfolk. ‘Natural’ events such as fire and flood were constant hazards. Disease was also prevalent and many parts of the town on the walk, were particularly prone to major outbreaks. ‘Acts of sedition’ and criminal activities were severely punished throughout the ages and several sites covered by the walk, mark where such punishments were carried out.
Southampton has had more than its fair share of political and commercial plotting – from the plot against Henry V on his way to the Battle of Agincourt, to the plotting of ‘big business’ to hide the true facts behind the “Stella” disaster, in 1899. Where, when, why and how such plotting occurred is a major feature of the tour.
Wartime Southampton was particularly dangerous for the townsfolk and many stories covering the six year long Second World War and the role played by Southampton in its successful outcome are interspersed throughout the walk. A special feature of this walk is a visit to an underground medieval vault (accessed by a spiral staircase), that was utilised as an air raid shelter during that war, which remains almost exactly as it was left at the cessation of hostilities.
For booking, or more information about this walk, please use the Contact Form on the Themed Walks / Tours Page.