The Story of Southampton Docks

Author Mike Roussel

From ‘Sea Breezes’ Shipping Magazine

The title says it all. This fine book traces the history of Southampton docks over the last couple of centuries. Lavishingly illustrated in B&W it takes us through the vision, hard work and the ‘up & downs’ which have made Southampton the vibrant successful port it is in the 21st Century. A history this may be, but dry as dust it certainly isn’t. It also talks about the people involved ashore and afloat and tales in their own words about their jobs enriches this book and paints a lively and distinctive picture of the different eras. It also takes us through the times when clashes between management and labour almost brought the port to its knees. Captured also in words and fine photographs are many of the magnificent passenger liners to which Southampton was their UK base. There is a section on Flying Boats which I found fascinating, but this book also brings an understanding of how a major port like Southampton ticks. A fine addition to your marine library. Highly recommended.

From ‘Shipping-Today and Yesterday’ Shipping Magazine

This book traces the history and development of the docks over the last two centuries. It looks at dock management and the construction of both the Old and New Docks during the period when the docks were known as the ‘railway docks’ managed by London & South Western Railways and later the southern railway. It was a time when the docks became famous as the ‘Gateway to the World’ during the period known as the ‘Golden Age of Ocean Travel.

With the outbreak of the Second World War the docks came under the control of the War Department, and during hostilities the were heavily bombed. From 1945 the docks’ management was faced with competition for trade from abroad, the need to reconstruct the docks after of the wartime bombing and labour disputes.

The book also covers the problems faced by both the management and the docks’ labour force. It highlights when the ports were privatised and recalls the introduction of Associated British Ports to manage Southampton Docks. The huge reduction of the dock labour force through redundancies and the retraining of the remaining workforce compelled the docks to be more competitive in the world market.

21st-century trade is increasing Southampton Docks, with larger container ships and car carriers visiting, but the biggest change witnessed in Southampton is the development of the cruise industry. Interviews from management, unions ‘dockies’ and other involved sources give interesting, enlightening and often humorous first-hand accounts of life in and around the docks during this time.

This is an outstanding book and by far the best history of my favourite port. I would very highly recommend this book.

 From Ted Miller ‘Bitterne Local History Society’

Having served my apprenticeship ship as a Marine Plumber with John I Thornycroft in Southampton Docks I have developed an interest in reading up about its history.

The story of Southampton Docks by Mike Roussel is a fascinating insight into the history of the docks over the past two centuries. Bringing together a collection of 250 photographs and illustrations (many of which have never been published before) with informative narrative provides the reader with a true insight into the vast workings of the docks. It’s not just about movement of container ships of cruise liners! There’s ship repairs, ship Chandlery, the work of the tugs and dredgers. The dockyard has its own thriving ‘community’ which I was lucky enough to part of.

I was particularly interested to read about the restoration of the tug tender Calshot by volunteers including a friend, Peter Godwin.

The book has been a joy to read and I must say that anyone who has an interest in the docks. This is book is a MUST! I certainly would like a copy on my Christmas stocking

 From ‘Your Family Tree’ Magazine

We sometimes forget how important the sea has been in our islands history. Even today, the nation’s ports play an important role in Britain’s infrastructure, and Southampton has always been a key site, with a history that dates back to Roman times.

The Story of Southampton Docks briefly mentions that the early history, but primarily focuses on the period since 1803, when an Act of Parliament permitted the development of quays and warehouses. This meant that the docks could become a major place of business.

By 1892, the port was not only able to take deeper vessels than anywhere else in Britain, but the London and South Western Railway also took over its management, ensuring Southampton’s connection to the rest of the country and establishing its reputation as the ‘Gateway to the World’.

The book divides into three parts. The first traces history of the of the management, development and use of the docks until World War II, the second looks at the post-War period, including the introduction of the first roll-on, roll-off ships; and the third surveys role of the docks of the 21st century.

While this is not a book aimed at family historians (though anyone with connections to Southampton dock workers may find it useful), there is plenty of material on the Dockers themselves, and interviews with them, management and union representatives add a human dimension to what might otherwise be a dry history of the shipping industry.

Around 250 photographs and illustrations accompany the text, though sadly most focus on the ships of the docks, rather than the people who work there. Still anyone with an interest in maritime history will find interesting. Sadly the book has no index, which would have aided researchers, but this is still at the detailed and solid piece of research on a specific subject.