Today the area is covered in concrete, topped with buildings and, more often than not, crammed with people – but there was a time when Western Esplanade was very different indeed.

When Southampton was seen as a fashionable and elegant spa resort, it was the perfect spot for a stroll on the beach – although there are few reminders of those days left.

That was when Western Esplanade and its shoreline were lapped by water, before the district was completely changed by land reclamation and the building of Western Docks.

The water swept along what was once known as Weston Shore, from alongside where the Royal Pier used to stand, right round to the present Southampton Central railway station and out to Millbrook and beyond.

The sea kissed the land in front of a wonderful backdrop which included part of the old walls, West Gate and Arundel and Catchcold Towers.

These days this part of the city is a buzzing hive of activity with Westquay shopping centre and eateries catering to the city’s masses.

It was more than 200 years ago when Southampton enjoyed a brief reputation as a spa centre and Western Esplanade was a waterside promenade, continuing to be so into the Edwardian times. This was a prosperous time for the city, with much development taking place.

One of the features of the waterfront near the Royal Pier were a number of old cannons with their muzzles pointing out across Southampton Water.

It’s said that the last time they were fired was in 1920 when the Hampshire Royal Garrison Artillery of St Mary’s Road celebrated a reunion after the First World War.

The old cannons came to an inglorious, but patriotic end, as they were melted down in the drive for scrap metal at the beginning of the Second World War. along with the nation’s park and garden railings.