Friday 30 October 2015

Exploring the World VI: Southampton (UK)

Postcard 6 has been sent to SOUTHAMPTON!

Southampton-aerial view
Lucía Picado, an advanced 1 student, has done some research and has shared with us very interesting information about this city. Thank you, Lucía!

WHERE IS SOUTHAMPTON?

Location of the United Kingdom
Southampton shown within Hampshire (UK)
Southampton is the largest city and the major port in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. It lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the River Test and River Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south of the urban area. The city has an estimated population of 253.651. The city's name is sometimes abbreviated in writing to "So'ton" or "Soton", and a resident of Southampton is called a Sotonian.
Southampton is sometimes considered together with Portsmouth and surrounding towns to form a single metropolitan area known as South Hampshire, also known as Solent City.

SOUTHAMPTON IS FAMOUS FOR…

The British passenger liner RMS Titanic did its maiden and last voyage from Southampton. 



RMS Titanic departing Southampton on 10 April1912
But Southampton is also noted for the World War II narrative as one of the departure points for D-Day, and more recently as the home port of a number of the largest cruise ships in the world. At certain times of the year, The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria may all visit Southampton at the same time, in an event commonly called “Arrival of the Three Queens”. Southampton Football Club, “The Saints”, plays in the Premier League at St Mary's Stadium.

Southampton Football Club
LANDMARKS

West Quay

West Quay, Southampton
West Quay is a large shopping centre and retail park, it is one of the largest City-Centre shopping complex in Europe. Inaugurated in 2000, it boasts over 100 stores spread over three shopping levels and it has an area of 70,000 m2

SeaCity Museum


SeaCity Museum Southampton
Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. It’s an interactive experience designed for all ages.

Tudor House

Tudor House
It’s considered Southampton's first museum in 1912, although the house had been built in 1491. The garden, based on manuscripts and other historic sources, is a recreation of a Tudor knot garden, that’s why the plants are particularly herbs and edible plants.

Mayflower Theatre


Mayflower Theatre
Formerly called The Empire, the Mayflower Theatre has a capacity of 2.300 and it features West End theatre shows when they tour the UK. A local legend says the theatre is reportedly haunted by the ghost of an old man who has been seen sitting backstage in a wicker chair.

LIFESTYLE
Southampton was considered the "fittest city in the UK" some years ago. The results were based on the incidence of heart disease, the amount of junk food and alcohol consumed, and the level of gym membership. The city has 64 parks and sports grounds.  The University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University together have a student population of over 40.000.

WANNA TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF SOUTHAMPTON? Watch this video created by the University of Southampton:


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