Southampton from the air - pictures from 1961 through to today

As well as the old aerial images, we've compared them directly with how the same view looks now.

Each of these images contains a slider so you can interact with them and see how much things have changed.

Western Esplanade

This picture shows Southampton Swimming Baths and Castle Way under construction.

Although familiar sights such as St Michaels Church and the arcades can be seen in the old image, most of the buildings have changed in the years since.

They include the Leonardo Royal Hotel and Castle House.

Glen Eyre School, Bassett

Despite being more than 60 years between these two images, there's barely any difference.

When this picture was snapped in 1961, Glen Eyre School was under construction. It has since become Cantell School.

Not much has changed since this picture was taken, with the exception of new buildings in the distance on and around Southampton University's grounds.

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Merryoak Community Centre, Merryoak

This picture shows Merry Oak Boys School as well as part of Merryoak itself.

Not much has changed over the years except that the school has been torn down and is now houses and Merryoak Community Centre.

Portswood and Highfield

Not too much has changed in the 60 years since this aerial shot was snapped.

The buildings are mostly the same, although businesses have certainly changed.

The one thing that is different is where Highfield House Hotel is now situated - it was houses back then!

St Johns School

The old picture here shows Castle Way under construction.

Although buildings such as St Michaels Church, St Johns School and a few other buildings still survive, much of it has changed.

Looming in the background of the new picture is the 14-storey Castle House.