Southampton Hidden History

10/08/2025

15-21 Cambridge Street, Shirley. 1961
Cambridge Street formerly ran from Church Street to Cannon Street, near to where Vaudrey Close now stands. It dated back to the 1860s. These houses, situated on the south side of the street, were built in the late 19th century and demolished in the 1960s.
Southampton City Council

09/08/2025

Shirley Methodist Chapel 1910
Built in 1843, this was the first Methodist chapel built in Shirley. It was situated on the west side of Church Street opposite Milner Street. By 1920 the church was too small for the congregation and a new Methodist church was built in St. James Road. This church was then taken over by the Salvation Army, who used it as their meeting hall until 1969 when it was demolished. Flats now stand on the site.
Southampton City Council

08/08/2025

Holy Saviour Church And Red Lion Pub, Bitterne 1975

07/08/2025

Highfield Church 1905
Christ Church, Portswood, more often called Highfield Church, was built in 1846-7 and consecrated in 1847. The architect of the church, Joshua Brandon, died before it was completed, and is buried in the churchyard. In c1850 Philip Brannon wrote "Christ Church is a pretty village church, in plain decorated style, wonderfully correct in the revival of Gothic architecture, and is situated in the delightful rural village of Portswood".
Southampton City Council

06/08/2025

Swaythling Lodge

02/08/2025

Cobbett Road Library was opened in May 1939. The land was supplied by local residents the Rev.F.C. and Miss G. Vaughan-Jenkins. Tennis courts had previously occupied the site. The building is a fine example of 1930s architecture. It was given a distinct nautical feel (e.g. port-hole style windows) to reflect Southampton's maritime heritage.

1960 Southampton City Council

01/08/2025

Craven Street 1935
Craven Street, which dated back to before 1825, formerly ran from Cossack Street to St Mary's Street. The buildings were demolished in the late 1930s as part of a slum clearance scheme, and the street itself disappeared at the same time. In the 1960s Craven Walk was constructed in approximately the same place, and post war flats replaced the old terraced houses. This is a view of the north side of the street. The entrance to Cossack Street can be seen on the left.

29/07/2025

1-2 Bell Street 1935

Bell Street formerly ran between Canal Walk and Orchard Lane. It dates back to at least 1813. This is probably a view of the backs of the houses. They were demolished in the 1930s and blocks of flats were subsequently built on the site.
Southampton City Council

There Is still a smaller Bell Street.

28/07/2025

Lordshill Library 1978
Plans for Lordshill Library were drawn up in 1974 and the library building was completed in 1977. Unfortunately, because the County Council had no money for books or staff, the library could not be opened immediately. Instead, the building was used as a meeting hall and for church services. The library was eventually opened in July 1978.
Southampton City Council

26/07/2025

Sholing Station

A small railway station had been provided in 1866, with a single line, doubled in 1910 and with longer platforms. In 1990 the old vandalised buildings were demolished and replaced by a waiting shelter. http://starzina.com/Starzina%20Z%20Railways%20Southampton%20to%20Fareham.htm

22/07/2025

21/07/2025

King Edward VI Grammar School