Wednesday 31 August 2011

SOUTHAMPTON AND SUPERMARINE

Did you know that the Spitfire was built here in Southampton at the Supermarine Factory in Woolston?
In fact the first test flights took off from Southampton Airport. Unfortunately production was moved after the factory was bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Some of my family worked there, they were moved to another factory in Newbury, where it was thought to be safer.
If you want to learn more about the Spitfire why not visit Southampton Hall of Aviation in Albert Road South, Southampton, Hampshire SO1 1FR.
You might also be unaware that the famous Bouncing Bomb used by the Dambusters was tested in Southampton water.
Now then, where can you find all this information? Are there memorials to such events prominently displayed along Southampton Water? No!
Typical of Southampton Council, showing no pride in our cities history.
If you go to the shores of  the northern French coast, you will find several memorials depicting great events, which in turn brings a feeling of pride to the local area.
Come on Southampton show you care.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Old City Walls

If you've lived in Southampton all your life, have you ever toured the old city walls,
or looked round the art gallery, or any of the museums? If you have, but not in a long while, then perhaps you should think about doing it, because a lot has been done to bring Southampton's history to life.
All along Southampton's old city walls, you will find information about life in the city, hundreds of years ago. Why not visit the newly refurbished Tudor House Museum, well worth it!
Try the Duke of Wellington Pub  Positioned in Southampton's historic Bugle Street, the Duke of Wellington Pub has been a silent witness to many of the city's most famous events. The dark timbered building was originally built upon Norman vaults and cellars in 1220 and was first leased out to a Benedict Ace, one of the city's earliest mayors.