Southampton has some of the most complete medieval town walls in the
country. They were built in stages over 300 years, the first being
Bargate and Eastgate dating from 1290. The western walls were not built
until after the French raid of 1338, when Edward III ordered that walls
be built to “close the town”. These were completed in 1380. The walls –
including eight gates and 29 towers – stretched for one and a quarter
miles around the town. Now, roughly half of the walls, 13 of the
original towers and six gates are still standing.
The Old Town has over 90 listed buildings and more than 30 ancient
monuments, with medieval wine vaults, an array of medieval churches, and
fine Georgian houses and hotels. All this and a view of the waterfront,
where ships continue the sea-going tradition of Southampton.
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