Archaeological finds suggest that the area has been permanently inhabited since the Stone Age. The Romans established a gateway settlement known as Clausentum, shortly after their invasion of Britain in AD 43.
Viking raids from 840 onwards contributed to the decline of Hamwic in the 9th century and by the 10th century, a fortified settlement, which became Medieval Southampton had been established.
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, Southampton became the major port of transit between the then capital of England, Winchester, and Normandy. Southampton Castle was built in the 12th century and by the 13th century; Southampton had become a leading port.
In 1348, the Black Death reached England via merchant vessels calling at Southampton.
The town was sacked in 1338 by the French, including the pirate Grimaldi, who used the plunder to help found the principality of Monaco, and who are still there.
The port was the point of departure for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620. In 1912 the RMS Titanic sailed from Southampton. Many of the crew on-board the vessel were Sotonians, with about a third of those who perished in the tragedy hailing from the city. Southampton was subsequently the home port for the transatlantic passenger services operated by Cunard and their Blue Riband liner RMS Queen Mary and her sister ship RMS Queen Elizabeth, and of course QE2.
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