West Quay was the town`s most important commercial quay in the medieval period. It was apparently of 14th century construction and presumably replaced private quays after the erection of the west town wall. The quay stretched from Biddle`s Gate to the southern end of Bugle Street. Opposite the West Gate was a pier-like projection which was the busiest part of the quay. By the 18th century much of the area was occupied by small boatbuilding yards.

In the late 19th century the name was given to the stretch of Western Esplanade between Westgate Street and Simnel Street.

West Quay

Image Unavailable

Oil painting by an unknown artist, c.1820


Further reading:
Medieval Southampton, by Colin Platt, p83, 171, 174, 222, 238. (HS/h)
History of Southampton, by Rev. J. S. Davies, p111-112. (HS/h)
Southampton Archaeological Society Bulletin, No. 17, p10. (HS/f)
Southampton Occasional Notes, by ‘Townsman’, p15-16. (HS/h)
Southampton Occasional Notes, 2nd Series by ‘Townsman’, p72. (HS/h)


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