5 strange facts about Southampton you probably didn't know

Its long and layered past, intertwined with its role as a major port, has inevitably given rise to a collection of intriguing oddities and peculiar tales.

From forgotten lore whispered within ancient walls to the surprising habits of its modern-day inhabitants, the city holds many secrets.

How many of these captivating details and charming quirks do you know? Perhaps it's time to delve a little deeper into the wonderfully strange side of the city!

Southampton was crucial in the launch of Fish Fingers

Southampton holds a significant place in the history of the much-loved fish finger, acting as a crucial test market before its nationwide launch. 

After development in the United States, the Birds Eye company needed to gauge British consumer reaction to this novel frozen product in the mid-1950s. 

Southampton was specifically chosen for these consumer trials, selected because its population was deemed representative of the average British palate and household at the time. 

Local residents were among the first in the UK to sample what was then marketed as "fish sticks". 

The overwhelmingly positive response and successful sales figures from the Southampton trials provided Birds Eye with the confidence needed for a wider rollout. 

This crucial feedback directly influenced the decision to launch the product across the UK in September 1955. 

While not invented here, Southampton's role as a successful test bed was pivotal in bringing the fish finger to British dinner tables.

Public executions took place in at least three separate locations

Southampton's history includes the grim reality of public executions, which were carried out in at least three distinct locations within the town's boundaries over the centuries. 

For a long period, the area immediately north of the Bargate served as a primary site for these spectacles of justice and deterrence. 

This central location ensured maximum public visibility, acting as a stark warning to inhabitants and travellers alike. 

Later, particularly from the 17th century, executions were also frequently conducted on Southampton Common, specifically at a site known as the Gallows. 

This spot was situated towards the northern part of the Common, further removed from the town centre. 

The use of the Common reflected changing attitudes and the need for a larger, less disruptive space for these events. 

For maritime crimes like piracy, executions sometimes took place near the waterfront, possibly close to the Water Gate or town quay. These executions near the docks could involve hanging in chains (gibbeting) as a stark warning to sailors

Southampton is twinned with Miami

Southampton officially embraced a sunnier outlook in 2019 by twinning with Miami, Florida, a city renowned for its beaches and warmth. 

While Southampton locals might jest that the primary exchange involves teaching Miamians the fifty shades of grey skies we cherish, this partnership actually highlights significant shared maritime interests. 

As two major international ports, especially prominent in the cruise industry, the formal link aims to strengthen cultural and commercial ties across the Atlantic. 

This American connection complements an older twinning relationship with Hampton, Virginia, established decades prior.

Beyond the US, Southampton's global network includes the nearby French port of Le Havre, twinned since 1973, fostering cross-Channel collaboration. 

Further European ties exist with Germany's Rems-Murr-Kreis (since 1991) and the historic Italian port city of Trieste (since 2002). 

Eastward connections are also strong, with partnerships established with Qingdao in China (1998) and Busan in South Korea (1978). 

These diverse relationships demonstrate Southampton's commitment to international friendship, even if it can't borrow Miami's weather permanently. 

The oldest hotel is more than 500 years old

Found on Southampton's High Street, the Dolphin Hotel boasts an extraordinary history spanning over 500 years. 

This remarkable longevity establishes it as one of the city's most ancient inns, the oldest hotel still in operation, although currently being used as student accommodation.

Its five centuries of continuous hospitality have witnessed significant historical events unfold right outside its doors. 

While presenting a beautiful Georgian facade, the building's foundations and core structure go back much further, embodying its 500-year-old heritage. 

Famous figures, including Jane Austen who attended a ball there, have graced its rooms throughout its extensive past.

Southampton may be the origin of the word ”airport”

While the exact origin of the term "airport" is debated, Southampton holds a strong claim due to its significant role in early aviation, particularly with flying boats. 

The city was a major hub for sea planes, effectively acting as a "port" for air travel, blending maritime and aviation terminology.

It is suggested that the term "airport" naturally arose in this context, describing the facilities needed for these aircraft. 

Southampton's history, including the famous Supermarine factory nearby and the development of what is now Southampton Airport in Eastleigh, cemented its status as a pioneering aviation centre. 

This pioneering spirit fostered an environment where new terms related to air travel could emerge. 

Therefore, local history strongly associates the coining of "airport" with Southampton's unique position in the development of flight.