A new DVD takes a fascinating journey through Southampton’s past and brings scenes from long ago back to life.

“The Southampton Story” has been produced exclusively for the Daily Echo and contains rare and seldom seen film footage and nostalgic photographs from past decades.

Once again steam locomotives are seen running on local tracks, the docks busy with ships being unloaded by teams of stevedores, together with glimpses of former everyday sights such as the former floating bridge, the old Forum cinema in Above Bar and the Rose Garden which once stood opposite the Civic Centre.

Daily Echo: Party Time: Celebrations of VE Day with a street party in Southampton at the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Modern Southampton is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history and its destiny has been shaped by the will of monarchs to defend and expand their kingdoms, the fear of invasion and the desire to build empires, and every stage of its long and illustrious history has left its mark.

The Southampton Story goes back almost 1,200 years to the very birth of the town and follows its evolution up to the present time.

It looks at the physical changes that have shaped Southampton over the centuries, from the construction of the town walls to the development of WestQuay, and also looks back at the outstanding events in the city’s history, including; its sacking by pirates in the 14th century; its role in the English Civil War; the sinking of Titanic; and the impact of two world wars.

The DVD also reveals many hidden stories from Southampton’s past; why the Cowherd’s pub is a relic of days when locals grazed cattle on the Common; how a Southampton man became one of America’s founding fathers; why a pint too many saved the lives of three brothers; and why the Saints early football matches were interrupted by pedestrians.

This journey through time will appeal to anyone with an interest in Southampton and to those who want to get to know the city and its history better.

The DVD is narrated by award winning actor Howard Ellison and the running time is about 50 minutes.

  • “The Southampton Story” together with a bonus DVD, “Looking Back at the Isle of Wight” is obtainable from the Daily Echo offices at Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton and costs £15.50, or on line at www.britainonfilm.co.uk