NINA MARSHALL flicks through a book of photographs that chronicles the changing face of Southampton in the 20th century

THE changing face of Southampton from the sailing of Titanic to the building of WestQuay is revealed in a new book.

Photographs from the last century show how both life in the city and familiar landmarks have been transformed by events from the blitz to modern development.

Local author and journalist Tony Gallaher put together the collection of images for A Century of Southampton, the latest in a series of local history books looking at communities across Britain.

The photos show that the history of Southampton in the 20th century was one of constant change, particularly in the last 60 years.

In the early years of the century, before Southampton was granted its city charter, the port played a crucial role in the First World War and in the 1920s passenger ships replaced military in the build-up to the golden age of cruise liners.

In the 1930s the rising success of the town meant landmarks became obstacles with the Bargate escaping sale to Americans before being partially demolished for traffic improvement.

The 30s also saw huge liners and even the royal yacht dock in Southampton but many residents were still living in ramshackle buildings that were destroyed by slum clearance and German bombers.

In fact, the town was devastated so badly in the blitz, particularly in November and December 1940, that King George VI himself visited to survey the damage.

Historic areas such as French Street were severely damaged, but destruction near the Star Hotel actually revealed more of the town's history, exposing a maze of medieval vaults.

After the war rebuilding transformed Above Bar Street, East Street and High Street into shopping and commercial centres as well as creating the estates of Millbrook, Harefield and Thornhill.

Since then road improvements and commercial development have continued the transformation, illustrated in Mr Gallaher's book through black and white photography.

*The book, including a preface on Britain and Southampton during the twentieth century, is on sale exclusively at WH Smith, priced £14.99.