Southampton

Southampton, city, southern England, near the head of Southampton Water (an inlet of the English Channel), on the Itchen and Test rivers. On April 1, 1997, Southampton was administratively separated from Hampshire (see Southampton borough). It remains, however, part of Hampshire geographically, and for ceremonial and related purposes. Southampton is the biggest trading and container port on the south coast of England. It has passenger ferries to the Isle of Wight and the Continent, though transatlantic passenger traffic has declined. It has a diverse economic base, with financial services, insurance, and retailing contributing significantly. It is also the headquarters of the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain, the national mapping agency. Southampton is a leading centre for research and development in the marine science and technology sector; in 1995 the Southampton Oceanography Centre was opened as a research centre and base for Britain’s National Oceanic Library. The government’s National Marine Directorate is also located in the city.

Principal industries in the city are marine engineering, the manufacture of motor-vehicle components, vehicle assembly, and oil-refining. The insurance and financial sectors are also important. Local landmarks include King John’s House (12th century), the 14th-century gates of the Norman town walls, and Southampton Art Gallery, which specializes in 20th-century British art. The city is the seat of the University of Southampton (founded 1952) and a 16th-century grammar school.

The Roman settlement of Clausentum and the later Saxon town of Hamwih were located on the site. Southampton was an important English port by the Middle Ages. It became a fashionable resort in the 18th century. During World War II the port was heavily damaged. Population 217,600 (2001 estimate).