Images snapped from the Bargate over the past 13 decades

The bustling shopping district of Southampton's Above Bar has been snapped numerous times from the Bargate roof and the pictures help to provide an insight into how things have changed through the years.

Beyond mere aesthetics, this view certainly holds historic significance; through the lens one can witness decades of historical events.

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Above Bar Street in 1890. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 1920. (Image: Echo)

Notably, during both world wars, this same sight would have seen troops heading towards Southampton's ports to embark upon their journeys to battle zones.

Following their victory, soldiers would also march up Above Bar as they returned home.

Above Bar Street in 1946 (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 1956. (Image: Echo)

The Bargate miraculously weathered the bombing of 1940, though the view from its peak was significantly altered.

Gone were the elaborate and grand edifices of buildings that once dominated the view, replaced by hastily-erected, plain-faced structures.

Above Bar Street in 1957. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 1958. (Image: Echo)

The cityscape also evidenced a transformation in transportation. Where there had once been horse and traps, horse-drawn trams and bicycles, were instead cars, trams and motorbikes - until they too disappeared as the area became pedestrianised.

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On February 8, 1952, an extraordinary sight was witnessed in Southampton - hundreds of people congregated to hear the news that Queen Elizabeth II had been declared monarch.

Above Bar Street in 1964. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 1970. (Image: Echo)

The crowds gathered, excitedly chatting while taking in the momentous revelation.
In 1970 the streets once more filled, this time with people eager for the chance to see their Queen in person as her convoy passed through Above Bar and onto Southampton docks.

Here she visited QE2 before opening the new Ordnance Survey building in Maybush.

Above Bar Street in 1972. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar in 1986. (Image: Submitted)

Most of the time though it’s business as usual, as hordes of shoppers travel busily from shop to shop. Although the bustle of busy patrons has notably lessened in the 20 years since online shopping has gained momentum.

Not only that, but Westquay shopping centre, whose entrance can be seen in some of the more recent pictures, also takes away a lot of the foot traffic on Above Bar.

Above Bar Street in 2000. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 2005. (Image: Echo)

These pictures collectively show the difference in fashion, skyline, road networks and transport over the past 13 decades.

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Each image features the same view, yet 130 years have made a vast difference to the content framed within.

Above Bar Street in 2011. (Image: Echo)

Above Bar Street in 2012. (Image: Echo)

The buildings featured in recent pictures pale in comparison to the beauty of the grand buildings that came before them.

Who knows what the next 13 decades have in store for this same view?

Above Bar Street in 2017. (Image: NQ)