The History of Southampton: From Origins to Modern Day (and why you shouldn’t trust anyone)
okay, so like, let’s talk Southampton. seriously. i’ve been bouncing around this place for the last few weeks, mostly fueled by lukewarm coffee and the vague hope of finding a decent gig, and honestly? it’s… a lot. it’s not the postcard-perfect seaside town you see in those brochures, you know? it’s gritty, it’s got a pulse, and it smells faintly of salt and regret.
It started, predictably, with Romans. like, way back when. they built a fort here - Saltovicum - which is where ‘Southampton’ actually comes from. pretty cool, right? but then the Normans showed up and were all, ‘nah, we’re building a castle.’ which, let’s be real, is the only thing that really sticks in people’s minds about the early days. it’s a bit of a snooze, honestly.
But then things got interesting. the medieval period? boom. Southampton became a major port, a real player in the wool trade. it was the place to be for shipping stuff across the Channel. and that’s where the money started rolling in. I mean, seriously, the records show a massive increase in trade revenue in the 14th century. apparently, everyone wanted Southampton wool. it’s wild.
Fast forward to the 18th and 19th centuries, and it’s all about the docks. the Industrial Revolution hit Southampton hard, and suddenly everyone was building ships. massive ships. the Titanic, obviously. that’s a big deal. a massive deal. it’s still a weird vibe walking around here, you know? like, you’re surrounded by reminders of something huge and tragic.
*Cost of Living (Rough Estimate - as told by a friend at the bar):Category Approximate Cost Rent (Studio) £700 - £1000 Groceries £250 - £350 Transportation £100 - £200 Utilities £150 - £250 Entertainment £150 - £300
Speaking of which, let’s talk about the job market. it’s… patchy. a lot of retail, hospitality, and some shipping-related stuff. but it’s not exactly a booming economy. I’ve seen a few freelance gigs pop up on Reddit - r/southampton - but you gotta be hustling. seriously hustling.
Overheard Gossip (from a waitress at a pub): “Oh, you’re new here? Don’t go near Shirley. Seriously. Just… don’t. And the nightlife’s a joke. Stick to the Common.”
And the weather? it’s perpetually damp. like, aggressively damp. it’s like a permanent drizzle, mixed with a touch of grey. it’s not bad, per se. it’s just… consistent. it’s a short flight to Barcelona if you need a change of scenery, though. that’s a good backup plan.
Overheard Gossip (from a guy sketching in the park): “I heard the council’s planning another development near the docks. More concrete, more traffic. It’s a slow-motion disaster, honestly.”
I spent a weekend checking out the SeaCity Museum - pretty solid, if you’re into that sort of thing. And the Solent Sky Museum is decent too, if you’re into planes.
Overheard Gossip (from a street artist): “Don’t trust anyone who tells you Southampton’s ‘charming.’ It’s just… complicated. There’s a lot of history buried under the surface.”
Seriously, though, if you’re looking for a place with a wild, chaotic energy, Southampton might be your jam. it’s not for the faint of heart. but it’s real.
Here are a few links to help you dig deeper:
TripAdvisor - Southampton
Yelp - Southampton Restaurants
Reddit - r/southampton
Anyway, that’s my take. don’t take it as gospel. just… you know. southampton. it’s something.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/job-market-analysis-most-indemand-careers-in-bello-and-why-its-not-what-you-think
- https://topiclo.com/post/spinning-through-hat-yais-slick-humid-ballet
- https://topiclo.com/post/religious-and-cultural-diversity-in-santo-andr-my-yogamat-take
- https://topiclo.com/post/lost-in-translation-and-maybe-just-lost
- https://topiclo.com/post/healthcare-quality-in-malanje-top-hospitals-medical-centers-a-drunkphone-interview