THEY have taken pride of place in the city centre for hundreds of years.

Now two of Southampton’s historical gems have been declared among the best in the country.

The City Walls and Bargate have been voted among the UK’s best historical features in a new poll for inner city attractions.

Both have come second in a report to find the country’s best-preserved urban areas, beating the likes of Nottingham Castle, Brighton Pavilion and Edinburgh Castle.

The historic walls and buildings that date back to 1180 were selected in a national survey looking at the changing attitudes towards local history and the need for residents to feel pride in their home regions.

The research carried out by supermarket chain Somerfield looked at how well the history of an urban area had been preserved alongside modern developments, with Southampton beaten to the top spot by Coventry Cathedral.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said: “It is superb that this great asset to this city has been recognised.

“Southampton has the longest stretch of medieval walls in the UK, and together with the Bargate it represents a wonderful example of medieval architecture in the heart of our city. It is also particularly pleasing, as the Bargate is the iconic emblem of our great city.”

The research, which included a poll of 2,000 adults, also revealed that a third of people in Southampton say they are proud of the urban development in the city. Southampton’s WestQuay shopping centre was voted the city’s best development.

Does the Bargate need sprucing up?

DESPITE the Bargate’s latest accolade, visitors to Southampton yesterday said the monument could do with a bit of tender loving care.

An unsightly pile of furniture is locked away in one of the archways, moss is creeping up the walls and shields at the front are being worn away. Meanwhile the council last year spent more than £77,000 lighting a 30-metre section of the walls along Western Esplanade.

Peter McMullan, 68, a retired merchant seaman of Bugle Street, Southampton said: “If you tidy it too much it won’t look authentic. I like the medieval walls.”

Lucy Shipley, 21, an archaeology student: “There is a point when restoration can become damaging.

It would be nice to remove the moss and the walls in East Street are full of foliage.”

Chloe Wrench, 18, a student said: “The shields look old but it goes with the heritage.

It could do with a little bit of restoration.

It would be good if it could be lit up more at night because people just ignore it.”

Mark Anthony, 45, unemployed, of Southampton said: “It could do with some masonry work otherwise it’s going to erode. It needs to be kept looking good for future generations.”

THE TOP 10 SOMERFIELD LOCAL LIFE BEST PRESERVED URBAN AREAS

1. Coventry Cathedral
2. Southampton City Walls (including The Bargate)
3. Clifton, Bristol
4. Edinburgh New Town
5. Hull Old Town
6. Brighton Pavilion
7. Nottingham Castle
8. Edinburgh Castle
9. Belfast City Hall
10. Cardiff Castle