SOUTHAMPTON is brimming with a rich and fascinating history.
From the Titanic to the frequent invasion of Holyrood Church, the city is no stranger to remarkable events in history.
As a born and bred Sotonian I have always been intrigued by the history behind the city’s iconic walls.
So I obviously had to find out more on a dark, damp night in October, where ghastly spirits lingered….
A haunted history
Halloween seemed like the perfect night to explore historical landmarks in the city centre, so, with my history-enthusiast dad in tow, we ventured to St Michael’s Church.
Southampton Ghost Tours organised the frightful walk, something that is not only saved for the scariest night of the year.
We gathered outside the historically notorious church with others and waited for our history lesson to begin.
The church was founded in 1070 and, at the time, was located in the centre of the busy market area of the town.
READ MORE: Saved! New operator puts on Christmas market in Southampton
But the church suffered violence, bloodshed, and damage in October 1338.
Several wooden buildings attached to the church were set ablaze and townsfolk were killed inside.
According to our guide, the screams of those murdered can still be heard today.
Inside the vaults
Our tour also took us to three of the city’s vaults, something I was greatly excited about after passing them numerous times when in the city centre.
We first clambered into The Undercroft in Simnel Street; a medieval vault used as a bunker in the Second World War.
This vault is “haunted by several ghosts.”
We also explored The Medieval Mayors’ Wine Vaults, which, as suggested, include the remains of the cellars in which Southampton’s wealthy medieval mayors once stored their wine.
Several ‘ghosts’ appeared throughout the tour, demanding taxes, scaring unsuspecting tour guests (thankfully not me), and providing useful pieces of information.
READ NEXT: ‘Best news’ say residents after return of Christmas market is announced
This continued all the way to the final vault – Lankester’s vault.
Located in the centre of the bustling High Street, this vault gets its name from the family who ran the ironworks behind Holyrood Church just across the way.
Along the way, we stopped at the Medieval Merchant's House, The Duke of Wellington pub (which is believed to be haunted by two landlords, one of which received a fatal blow to the head and died on the doorstep), the Red Lion pub, and more.
Although I was on high alert waiting for the next jump scare, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour of Southampton.
I saw another side of the city and learned more about the vast and varied history of Southampton.
If you’re not of a delicate disposition (or even if you are) I highly recommend touring with Southampton Ghost Tours.
For more information, visit www.southamptonghosttours.co.uk.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here