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19th October 2008
Tall Ship Lord Nelson Open Day
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25th October 2008
Tall Ship Lord Nelson Open Day
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11th November 2008
Come and Sail on the UK's largest operational steamship SS Shieldhall
Welcome “Queen Elizabeth 2” on this historic occasion as she enters her homeport of Southampton for the last time. Cunard may change the timings
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11th November 2008
Last call to Southampton of the QE11
After 41 years of service, the QE11 will leave southampton for the last time before the famous ships starts a new career as a floating hotel in Dubai.
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10th May 2009
Deloitte & Sailors' Society Cycle
Starting and Finishing in Southampton Mayflower Park to raise funds for Sailors Society.
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Click here to view forthcoming events >>

Sea the History

Southampton’s Relationship with the Sea
By Jake Simpkin

Southampton is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world, benefiting from four tides a day, and facing one of the world’s busiest waterways.  Southampton’s relationship with the sea has always rested on its people’s ability to make the most of its natural advantages.  Romans, Saxons, and medieval merchants have all prospered in turn.  And today, Southampton is at the centre of the UK’s cruise line industry, with a record breaking 720,000 passengers passing through the port last year.  It’s the biggest vehicle terminal, and one of the county’s most successful container ports. Overall, an estimated 16,000 jobs are port related.

Tragically, history has shown that success often brings disaster in its wake.  The medieval town was ravaged in 1338.  In more recent times, the loss of the Titanic, and the bombing of WW2, has devastated the town, and port.

Southampton was at the centre of trooping the Empire, and in time of war has witnessed the embarkation of great armies.  It was pivotal to the D-Day landings, and in the last year of WW2 over three and a half million troops embarked from the port.

However, it is the quayside feelings of excitement and sadness associated with arrival and departure felt by pilgrims, soldiers, emigrants and war brides alike that are most poignant, and continue to echo down the ages.

Southampton Revealed DVD 
Join Jake Simpkin on a journey of discovery as he peels back the layers of Southampton rich and varied history. On sale at Borders bookstore in West Quay Retail Park, at museums in the city, priced £12.99.  Also at www.jakesimpkin.org



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