The Story of the Southampton Docks

This book offers a fascinating delve into the history and development of Southampton Docks. It is fully illustrated throughout with over 250 photographs and drawings many having their first outing. Southampton has a long maritime history that can be traced from the invasion of Britain by the Romans in AD70, but the construction of the docks really began from an Act of Parliament in 1803 that made it possible to develop quays and warehouses. The book looks at dock management and the construction of both Old and New Docks during the period when the docks were known as 'railway docks', managed by London & South Western Railway and later the Southern Railway. With the outbreak of the Second World War the docks came under the control of the War Department, a time when the docks were heavily bombed. From 1945 the dock management was faced with competition for trade from abroad. 21st century trade is increasing in Southampton Docks, with larger container ships and car carriers visiting, but the biggest change is the development of the cruise industry.