Southampton is the birthplace of the Supermarine Spitfire, the iconic fighter aircraft that played a pivotal role during World War II, symbolizing resilience and innovation in aviation design. Designed by R J Mitchell and 1st built at the Supermarine works at Woolston.
Southampton was also the home to the largest flying boat operation in the world, until the late 1950s, when long-haul jet flights started to replace flying boat services
The Schneider Trophy Air Race attracted the best pilots and engineers from around the globe. Racing seaplanes went to top speeds of over 400 mph. The route of this speed race took place over the Solent. On show is the Supermarine S6A from 1929, a testament to design excellence
Victoria Pier, later known as The Royal Pier or just Southampton Pier. The 900-foot (270 m) pier was opened on 8 July 1833 by the then Princess Victoria. The pier was built to provide steamer services somewhere to dock. Before the construction of the pier, steamer passengers had to either transit the muddy foreshore or make use of Town Quay. Prior attempts to fund a pier at Southampton failed. In November 1829, the harbour board agreed to construct one. The Southampton Pier Act of 1831 authorised the pier, and the construction was funded through a mortgage. The pier was designed by Edward L. Stephens, a Royal Navy officer. In 1847, a horse-drawn tramway was constructed to link the pier to Southampton Terminus railway station and by 1871, the tramway had been extended to the end of the pier, 5 years later, the trams were replaced by light steam locomotives.
As a child, I remember visiting Mayflower Park with my father when my mum would be shopping in the city centre, and we would often walk to the end of the pier. Dad would show me the Supermarine S.6A seaplane on display partway down the pier, a veteran of the 1929 Schneider Trophy. He was interested in flying boats, as he had worked for one of the operators in the 1950s, which had a Terminal near the pier.
Over the years, the pier fell into disrepair and closed at the end of 1979. The 1930s “wedding cake” style gatehouse replaced the Victoria gatehouse, which was reopened as a restaurant in 1986.
Sorting through some of my old photographs on 35mm slides, I came across some pictures of the fire that destroyed Southampton pier. On the morning of 4 May 1987, fire destroyed many of the structures at the end of the pier. I was living in our 1st house in Sholing when I learnt from Radio Solent local news that the pier was on fire. I took my camera and went across the Itchen Bridge to Mayflower Park. From there, I took a series of photographs documenting the death of our pier. I have posted the one picture of the fire on the odd Facebook feed in the past and seen it reposted without any credit for it!
My brother copied my original pictures from 35mm slides to digital files. I then cleaned the images with software, as nearly 40 years of storage had added dust and marks to the pictures. I was pleased with the results.
A visit today to see this remarkable historic clapper bridge, constructed from massive stone slabs; it proudly spans the River Barle in Exmoor National Park.
I was looking for Dipper’s in the river but only saw one flying down stream.
Back in 1986, while on holiday in Pembrokeshire, we visited an open farm in the Preseli Hills. This was no tourist attraction with bells and whistles. It was a traditional family working Welsh Hill Farm. No shop, no cafe, no toilet block, just the family outside loo. The farm had no running water or electricity; it was like stepping back 100 years.
The land was worked entirely by Shire Horses. We watched the farmer kit out the horses ready for the plough and followed him up a steep hillside to plough the land. Getting our breath back, the small group of visitors sat down and watched the horses working.
The farmer looked elderly to me as a youngster, but in reality, he was probably only in his 40’s. The work on the land had given him a deceptive appearance.
Two years later, we wanted to return again, but could not find the farm. At the Fishguard tourist board offices, we were told that the farm was no longer open to the public, as there had been complaints from visitors about a lack of facilities and the farmyard being too muddy! Since I have visited many farm museums in their sanitised state over the years, they have never been a patch on this working hill farm practising an authentic way of life.
Sorting through old slides, I found these pictures I took back in 1982 at Western Shore in Southampton of the QE2.
The QE2 left Southampton for the Falklands War on May 12th 1982.
Departing from the Southampton docks, the requisitioned Cunard liner carried about 3,000 troops from the 5th Infantry Brigade (including the Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, and Gurkha Rifles) and 650 volunteer crew members. She sailed to the South Atlantic to serve as a troop transport during the conflict.
The QE2 was officially retired by the Cunard Line in November 2008.
The ship was not scrapped. After a lengthy restoration, she reopened as a permanently moored, 13-deck floating hotel and museum in Mina Rashid, Dubai. Managed by Accor, the vessel features 447 restored rooms, multiple dining venues, and preserved historical spaces
Another circular Sunday morning walk on the South Downs.
This time of year, Rooks are re-establishing their nest sites. Rookerys are known for high noise levels, territorial disputes, and intense activity during nesting season.
Goldfinch.
Yellowhamer.
Brown Hare,
On the route, there is a memorial to a WW2 accident where 33 were tragically killed.
In early 1944, numerous training exercises were being undertaken in preparation for the Allied invasion of D-Day.
On the 4th April 1944, 1 HGSU, Horsa 1 glider, LG999 towed by Stirling IV LJ-842 of 196 Squadron took part in a large-scale glider exercise code-named ‘Exercise Dreme’.The night exercise of various legs was to take 3.5 hours, and the gliders were to be released over Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The glider occupants were two glider pilots and members of No. 3 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 7th (Airborne) Division, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
Low cloud was reported in the Lewis area and on the leg from Lewis to Winchester. As the towing Stirling descended through the clouds, it hit a tree. The glider released immediately and crashed in Warnford. All 27 men on board the Horsa LG999 were killed. The Stirling flew on for another 15 minutes when it stalled, and crashed at 21:00 hours one-mile south-west of Romsey, some 18 miles from the site of the glider crash, and all six crew members were killed.
‘The Hospital of St Cross’ was first conceived by the grandson of William the Conqueror, Henri de Blois. This remarkable establishment reflects a blend of history, charity, and architectural beauty, founded by de Blois, a young French monk and nobleman who later ascended to the esteemed position of Bishop of Winchester. In 1132, with a compassionate vision, he founded the hospital with the noble intent to provide shelter for 13 frail men who were unable to work. Additionally, the institution had a program to feed 100 men at its gates daily, reinforcing the values of community and care during a time when such charitable acts were vital.
During the mid-15th Century, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, recognising the importance of the institution, set up ‘The Almshouse of Noble Poverty.’ He played a crucial role in enhancing the hospital, overseeing the construction of the majority of its current buildings. Among these structures are the elegant line of Almshouses, which create a picturesque setting that has been appreciated for centuries. Over the years, the site has evolved through the medieval era, maintaining its foundational purpose of providing Almshouse accommodation. This commitment to charity and community support continues to this day.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a great collection of figureheads.
A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration often found at the bow of ships, typically designed to represent the name or role of the vessel. These sculptures served not only as decorative elements but also as symbols of a ship’s identity and character, intertwining artistry with functionality. In contemporary settings, ships’ badges have emerged to fulfil a similar role, providing visual symbolism yet without the historical significance and craftsmanship associated with traditional figureheads.
In 1796, the British Admiralty attempted to abolish figureheads entirely on new ships due to changing maritime practices and the evolution of naval warfare. However, this order was not fully embraced by shipbuilders and sailors. Many mariners believed that a ship devoid of a figurehead would bring bad luck, as these carvings were thought to have protective powers over the vessel and its crew. The figurehead was thus seen as a guardian spirit, a belief that persisted despite the Admiralty’s directives.
During the 19th century, as maritime technology advanced from sail-powered wooden ships to steam and iron constructions, the bowsprit—where figureheads were typically fixed—started to fade into obsolescence. With the transformation of ship design, the practical need for figureheads diminished, leading to their gradual decline in naval architecture.
The last Royal Navy ship to showcase a figurehead was the HMS Espiegle. The name “L’Espiegle,” meaning frolicsome in French, aptly described the carved figurehead, which depicted a woman adorned with jewel-encrusted bangles and a striking masquerade mask. This artistic representation was meant to convey a sense of playfulness and allure, embodying the ship’s spirit. The HMSEspiegle was eventually broken up in 1923.
While sorting out, I came across my 1st digital camera.{2002} A Fujifilm FinePix 6900Z has a 3.3 megapixel SuperCCD, which generates a 6 megapixel image. My current camera, a FujiFilm HX2s, has a 26 megapixel image APS-C Stacked CMOS sensor
I had to order a new Battery via eBay and once sorted, took it out for a 2026 test run {only 24 years later!}
With the first blue sky for a couple of weeks, it was nice to take a walk and get some photos without grey skies.
Mottisfont Abbey is a historical priory and country estate in Hampshire, now operated by the National Trust. The site features a historic house museum with changing art exhibitions, the abbey has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, initially founded as a house for Augustinian canons. Over the centuries, it has transitioned from a monastic building to a country house, particularly during the 18th century when it was remodelled in the Gothic Revival style. The abbey is now recognised not only for its architecture but also for its beautiful gardens, which showcase a collection of old and rare roses, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its tranquil beauty and historical significance.
Two paintings from the current Town and Country: A Journey Through the Seasons are part of the current art exhibition at Mottisfont. These two were my favourites.
Continued Reflections from my World. 