Canal Walk runs north-south, the full length of the old walled town outside the walls. It was named from the towpath of the Southampton-Salisbury Canal constructed within the outer moat after 1795. Mooring rings and wharf stairs were once to be seen west of this street.

After the canal scheme collapsed, buildings were constructed over the site of the canal,obscuring most of the remains. In the early 19th century some of these houses were substantial dwellings and Canal Walk became quite a fashionable area. As the century progressed, however, it changed from a residential to a business area. It is also known as The Ditches reflecting the fact that it was built over the town moat or ditch which was originally part of the town’s eastward defences.

Canal Walk

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The north end of Lower Canal Walk. Photograph, 1935


Further reading:

Southampton Occasional Notes, by ‘Townsman’, p70-71. (HS/h)
Historic Buildings of Southampton, by Philip Peberdy, p17-18. (HS/k)


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