The village was once a rural part of Hampshire on the outskirts of Southampton with a feel, an atmosphere, and a life of its own.
Bitterne is quite different today.
In the name of development, the heart of a once-separate community has been bypassed by heavy traffic and local landmarks have been swept aside.
Until the construction of the first bridge at the end of the 18th century, the Itchen served as a natural barrier between Southampton and Bitterne.
According to some, Bitterne actually derives its name from the river, from the old English for ‘building by a bend.’
READ MORE: This is what Southampton looked like 40 years ago
The bridge opened up direct access to the Bitterne area and the eastern part of the county, as well as the large estates and country houses owned by the landed gentry who had taken up residence there.
A Southampton Corporation proposal in 1895 included Bitterne as part of the extension of its boundaries.
There was strong opposition to the suggestion, and a petition was organised urging for Bitterne to remain a village.
Further attempts were made, which were successfully resisted until March 1920 when it was finally included in Southampton, along with Sholing, Itchen and Woolston.
READ MORE: Pictures from Millbrook School through the years
During this period, Southampton’s municipal authorities made one move too far, which caused local people to fight back.
With the changes, the council attempted to provide the community with a new name - Arcadian Way replaced High Street.
As a result, some residents tarred and feathered the offending new sign nightly until the council finally bowed to public pressure and they both settled on Bitterne Road.
Around this time, the Hants and Dorset company began operating a service to Bishop’s Waltham and Southampton Corporation launched a Bitterne and Woolston route.
A halfpenny pedestrian toll was charged for those who chose to walk into Southampton rather than take the bus.
By 1929 the tolls were freed and Bitterne people welcomed the improvement of bus services which were boosted by trams from Bullar Road to Portswood over Cobden Bridge.
Share your memories of Bitterne or the surrounding areas by emailing ian.crump@dailyecho.co.uk
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