The year was 1966, a year of change and progress, a year that marked a significant milestone in the illustrious history of the Cunard Line.

On July 4, a date etched in the annals of maritime history as the anniversary of Cunard's groundbreaking Britannia's maiden voyage 126 years prior, a momentous event unfolded in Southampton.

The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow upon the bustling docks as a distinguished gathering assembled outside the imposing edifice of South Western House.

This former hotel, having undergone a meticulous transformation, was now poised to serve as the new headquarters of the world-renowned Cunard Line.

Amongst the assembled dignitaries was Philip Bates, Cunard's esteemed managing director, his face beaming with pride as he prepared to preside over a ceremony of great significance.

With a flourish, the company's iconic flag, a symbol of maritime excellence and tradition, was unfurled, its vibrant colours rippling in the gentle breeze.

A collective gasp of admiration arose from the onlookers as the flag ascended, proudly proclaiming Cunard's presence in this historic port city.

Southampton, with its strategic location on the southern coast of England, had long been a vital hub for transatlantic travel.

The White Star Line, a formidable rival in the world of passenger shipping, had recognised the city's importance, establishing a presence there as early as 1907.

Cunard, too, had graced Southampton with its presence, making occasional calls before the outbreak of the First World War.

However, the war had brought about a profound shift in the global landscape, and in its aftermath, Cunard's leadership recognised the need to adapt and evolve.

Southampton, with its deep-water harbour and excellent rail connections, emerged as the ideal location for the company's ambitious plans.

In 1919, Cunard established its first office in the city, a modest affair located at Maritime Chambers.

The roaring twenties witnessed the rise of Cunard's "Big Three" – the majestic Mauretania, the elegant Aquitania, and the opulent Berengaria.

These magnificent vessels, each a marvel of engineering and design, plied the Southampton-New York route via Cherbourg, carrying passengers in unparalleled comfort and style.

While the Aquitania had the honour of being the first Cunarder to call at Southampton, it was the Mauretania that officially inaugurated the new service on November 18, 1919, a date that would be forever etched in the city's maritime history.

The influx of passengers and cargo brought about by Cunard's operations spurred the Southern Railway Company, then owners of the docks, to embark on an ambitious expansion plan.

By the late 1920s, the New Docks, later renamed the Western Docks, were taking shape, their construction a testament to the city's growing importance as a gateway to the world.

News of Cunard's plans to introduce a revolutionary superliner, the Queen Mary, a vessel that would redefine the standards of luxury and speed, further fuelled the expansion.

The Southern Railway Company, recognising the need to accommodate this behemoth of the seas, incorporated a colossal dry dock into its plans, a dry dock of such immense proportions that it could comfortably house the gargantuan transatlantic liner.

The New Docks were largely completed by the early 1930s, and on July 26, 1933, the dry dock was officially inaugurated by King George V himself, a momentous occasion that marked a new chapter in Southampton's maritime history.

The dry dock, aptly named in honour of the monarch, stood as a symbol of the city's commitment to the future of ocean travel.

As Cunard's operations continued to flourish, the company's Southampton office at Maritime Chambers, in use since 1919, proved inadequate to accommodate the growing workforce. The decision was made in 1965 to relocate the company's headquarters to Southampton, a move that would solidify the city's status as the heart of Cunard's operations.

South Western House, with its spacious offices and prime location, was chosen as the ideal location for the company's new home.

This relocation brought about a significant movement of personnel, as approximately 120 staff members and their families bid farewell to Liverpool, the company's birthplace, and embarked on a new chapter in Southampton.

They joined the existing staff of 200, forming a dedicated team committed to upholding Cunard's legacy of excellence.

To further bolster the company's operations, an additional 200 personnel were recruited, many from the local Southampton area, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and expertise to the Cunard family.

Cunard's tenure at South Western House spanned three decades, a period of continued growth and innovation.

The company's iconic liners, including the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2, graced the Southampton docks, their departures and arrivals a source of pride and excitement for the town.

In 1996, Cunard bid farewell to South Western House, relocating to Mountbatten House at Grosvenor Square.

A decade later, in 2009, the company moved once again, this time to Harbour Parade, where it remains to this day.