Before Holyrood – More of Southampton’s Lost Streets

Description

Like many towns and cities, Southampton has changed dramatically through its history. At one time a small and quaint Georgian spa town it remained semi rural with few inhabitants outside its ancient town walls. The coming of the railways in 1839 and the new docks in 1843 transformed it completely when thousands moved there from surrounding areas and other towns to work in the booming industries that flourished in the Victorian era. To house the exploding population streets of terrace houses were thrown up almost overnight and with scant regard to quality of the materials used they soon became unhealthy slums. As demand grew greater, dark and foreboding courts were squeezed between them. Ultimately, the confines of the Old Town couldn’t cope resulting in the populace spreading to new overspill districts close by. Local historian Dave Marden looks back on what was there.