Porters’ Lane is the southern link between French Street and High Street, representing the early medieval quayside before the construction of the town wall on its southern side. It was named from the location here of the town's licensed porters. In the Middle Ages it was called ‘Le Coleye’, i.e. the coal wharf (or alternatively the vegetable wharf). Its most interesting archaeological feature is the remains of a Norman merchant's house and warehouse on its northern side. This is often referred to as Canute’s Palace, but actually has no connection with Canute.
Porters' Lane
Photograph looking towards the High Street, c.1900
Further reading:
Southampton Occasional Notes, by ‘Townsman’, p11. (HS/h)
Southampton Archaeological Society Bulletin, No. 16, p17-18. (HS/f)
Southampton Archaeological Society Bulletin, No. 14, p3. (HS/f)
Southampton Archaeological Society Bulletin, No. 2, p15. (HS/f)
History of Southampton, by Rev. J. S. Davies, p94. (HS/h)
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