Building developments in Southampton 1750-1830 : the impact of the spa

Abstract

Despite the undoubted significance of the spa in its contribution towards the expansion and improvement of Southampton, there has been a lack of detailed studies of this development. The period 1750 - 1830 was one of considerable change within the provincial towns, yet relatively little is known about these individual towns. This thesis draws upon a wide variety of sources, including title deeds, probate records, corporation papers, newspapers and directories, in order to trace the course of building in Southampton in the spa period. Before 1750, Southampton was suffering as a declining port with little or no incentive to expand. The growing popularity of the town both as a spa and seaside resort, however, encouraged builders to design and erect new crescents and squares of Georgian houses, and modernise existing areas. The impact of the spa was to be seen chiefly in the parish of All Saints. As the spa progressed, a new demand for housing the town's labouring population in St. Mary's parish also emerged. Builders were either craftsmen or leisured men who cooperated together on their projects and obtained their finance chiefly from local sources. Land was readily available, and was conveyed or leased to the builders upon terms that were favourable to them and which specifically encouraged building. Situation, however, was of prime importance, and poorly sited building ventures could fail.

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