A day in Southampton - 23 July

News over here is pretty much the same as at home - homelessness, power prices, Donald Trump & gender diversity etc. On the latter matter, and just to prove the world really has gone mad, you will be pleased to know that the english equestrian society has just ruled that in the interests of equality and gender diversity, a mule is now eligible to compete in equestrian dressage events!!!

30C today with a cloudless blue sky. England, like much of Europe is experiencing a sustained period of heat and lack of rain. Fifty year records are being challenged.

Anyway, off early for a day in Southampton. There is apparently evidence of human presence in the area fo 50,000 years, but the modern era began with the Normans. Southampton was a walled city and there are still substantial parts of the old wall remaining. It is of course one of the worlds great seafaring ports both in history ie the Pilgrim Fathers departed in 1605, the first passenger voyage of the Titanic departed here, huge numbers of english troops have departed its shores over many years, including for the Battle of Agincourt, both world wars, the Falklands War etc, etc, etc, and in commerce, being Englands largest port by far.

So off along the walls to pass the preserved Merchants House, then a visit to the Tudor House and gardens. The Tudor House encompasses over 800 years of history, has been repaired and refurbished and is a museum of very good standard. It has excellent, and entertaining exhibits and a Tudor knot garden. Its restoration saw two very large vertical beams installed through its 3 storeys and a large vertical concrete slab through 2 of its storeys, to prevent it toppling.

Continuing on via St Michael's Church, the oldest building in use in Southampton. It was founded by the Normans in the 11 century. Its spire was constructed in the early 15th century - and its tower heightened to guide ships in the 1870's.

Then for me, Seacity Museum, and for Pat, the city's Westquay Shopping centre. Seacity tells the story of the people of Southampton and the city's historic connection to the sea, with a particular emphasis on the Titanic voyage off 1912.  Very good, but did not compare to the Titanic exhibition in Cherborg, France.

Mid afternoon return to Portcullis House for the opportunity of an on-site laundromat before we head to our ship tomorrow. Got the washing done effectively after which I had to reluctantly become a player in the great laundromat wars (some readers will remember Laundromat war 1 on our Baltic cruise). Both dryers occupied (obviously by one person - NIA) and remained so). Had dinner, and both dryers still full despite having completed their work almost 2 hours earlier - so emptied one (only the Rotary 4 Way Test prevented the contents being despatched to the floor!!). Amazingly, even after completing my drying, there was still no appearance from the delinquent resident.

A pleasant walk along the docks ended our day.