History of the Port of Southampton

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History of the Port of Southampton
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Location
Country	United Kingdom
Location	Southampton, Hampshire, England
Coordinates	50°53′47″N 1°23′48″W / 50.8965°N 1.3968°W / 50.8965; -1.3968
Details
Operated by	Associated British Ports (ABP)
No. of berths	45 (20–207)
Statistics
Website ABP

The Port of Southampton is a major passenger and cargo port located in the central part of the south coast of England. It has been an important port since the Roman occupation of Britain nearly two thousand years ago, and has a multifaceted history. From the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century, it was a centre for naval shipbuilding and a departure point for soldiers going to war. The port also played a role in the development of hovercraft, flying boat services, seaplanes and the Spitfire fighter plane. Before the advent of jet travel, Southampton was Britain's gateway to the world. The port also played a minor role in the history of Britain's canals.