Southampton's Town Quay - old images of the once busy area

For years it's been a relatively lifeless part of Southampton, dotted with bland-looking offices, a car park and the occasional "No fishing" sign. However, things were very different at Southampton's Town Quay in the early 20th century

It’s thought that Town Quay came into being in the mid-14th century, after the construction of the south town wall, and was originally known as Watergate Quay.

Evidence suggests that private quays existed in the late 12th century in both Winkle Street and Porters’ Lane, but Town Quay was likely to have been Southampton’s earliest seaborne trading point.

Town Quay (right) in more recent years. (Image: Echo)

Until 1803 the quay was owned by the town authorities.

In the early years of the 19th century an act of Parliament transferred ownership to the Harbour Commissioners, an incorporated board.

The town however retained the right of receiving one-fifth of the dues collected from shipping, and this was a most valuable asset for the ratepayers.

Town Quay on February 9, 1973 (Image: Echo)

The bulk of the trade handled at Town Quay consisted of household goods, provisions, manufactured goods, chemicals, cattle feed and timber.

Steamers from many shipping companies sailed from Town Quay to practically all ports in the UK.

But now, other than office workers, the only regular comings and goings are that of the Hythe ferry and the Red Funnel high-speed craft. It's in stark contrast to the busy dockside of yesteryear - and one can only hope the area will regain that buzz.