In days of yore, when Southampton's cobbled streets echoed with the clatter of hooves and the rumble of wheels, a vital tradition flourished. 

The role of the carter, a skilled driver responsible for transporting goods across the town, was often passed down through generations. 

These carters, with their sturdy draft horses and well-worn wagons, were the lifeblood of the town's commerce, delivering everything from fresh produce to building materials.

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As the sun rose over the town, the carters would set out, their trusty steeds pulling heavy loads through the narrow lanes and bustling streets. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves provided a comforting soundtrack to the daily bustle, a reminder of a simpler time when life moved at a slower pace.

Among the esteemed carters who served Southampton's elite merchants were the Chawyns, the Heckeles, John Stobbrege, and John Ymine. 

These skilled drivers, often working alongside their families, transported goods for prominent figures such as Walter Fetplace, Robert Aylward, and John Payne. 

Through their dedication and hard work, many of these carters achieved prosperity.

Southampton's historic Bargate has witnessed countless processions and deliveries over the centuries. Yet, among the myriad of ordinary and extraordinary loads that have passed beneath its imposing arch, one stands out as truly peculiar: a lion. 

This majestic creature, a symbol of power and prestige, was once transported through the town's ancient streets.

According to one book, dated 1439, it is written that: “paid to Louis Morews three shillings (15p) for the keeping of a lion for nine weeks and to John Payn two shillings and sixpence (12p) for the making of a cart for the foresaid lion and also for boards and nails, and sixpence (2p) for a bolt for the said cart, and three pence (1p) for two ropes and 14 shillings four pence (72p) for the costs of the lion, together with costs of transporting to London.” 

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On top of these costs was 20 pence (10p) for a collar, chain and two staples, and five shillings and four pence (27p) for the lion’s food during the nine weeks the big cat was in Southampton. 

As the lion was carried beneath the imposing Bargate, one can only wonder if it let out a mighty roar, echoing through the narrow streets of Southampton. 

Perhaps its fierce growl mingled with the clatter of the cart's wheels and the clip-clop of the horse's hooves, creating a cacophony of sound that startled the city's inhabitants. The lion, destined for the royal menagerie at the Tower of London, a menagerie that had existed since the time of Henry III, was embarking on a journey that would take it from the bustling port city to the heart of the kingdom.

This was undoubtedly an unusual cargo for a local carter, a deviation from their typical deliveries of goods within the town. Some carters, however, specialised in long-distance haulage, venturing far beyond Southampton's town walls. 

Among these intrepid drivers was John Smyth de la Broke, who regularly undertook the arduous journey to London. This 12-day round trip, punctuated by overnight stays at quaint inns, was a testament to the endurance and skill of these early long-haul truckers.

The Heckeles, a family renowned for their skill and reliability, were also frequent travellers on the nation's roads. 

Their journeys often took them to busy cities like Coventry and Gloucester, as well as the historic towns of Oxford, Marlborough, Reading, and Exeter. 

These long-distance treks, laden with goods and driven by a thirst for adventure and payment, showcased the Heckeles' dedication to their craft and their spirit of exploration.

Other carters, while not entirely confined to specific routes, often specialised in particular destinations. 

The Carwyns, for instance, were well-known for their frequent journeys to the city of Salisbury, their wagons traversing the familiar roads that connected the locations. 

Similarly, John Stobbrege was a familiar sight on the road to Winchester, his sturdy horse pulling a laden cart through the picturesque countryside. 

These specialised routes, forged through years of experience, allowed these carters to optimize their journeys and build strong relationships with their clients.

According to the Southampton local historian, the late Elsie M Sandell, writing in 1947, in the year 1440 the volume and range of goods carried from Southampton was remarkable.

“Pipes of wine and oil, household linen, silks, bowstaves, soap all figured frequently in local records,” said the historian. 

“Spices too, were carried in large quantities; pepper, cinnamon, nutmegs, and dried fruits, while garlic was transported over and over again... far and wide into the country, to castles and manors, abbeys and convents, as well as to many an inland town.”