Sotonopedia

In the 1890s the need for a good new road along the western shore became more acute, particularly after the building of the new pier and the public baths. At that time Westgate House and grounds stood at the southern end of the Western Shore blocking access to the pier. The only approach to the pier and Town Quay from the Western Shore was through Cuckoo Lane or by Westgate Street and then Bugle Street. Westgate House was purchased by the council and demolished, and the old western shore road was widened and extended to the pier at one end and to the West Station at the other. The road was re-christened Western Esplanade. Between what used to be Manchester Street and the railway footbridge it coincides with the course of the medieval Canshut Lane.

Western Esplanade

Photograph, c.1900

Western Esplanade×

Photograph, c.1900

Western Esplanade

Photograph of the northern section, c.1910

Western Esplanade×

Photograph of the northern section, c.1910

Western Esplanade

A modern photograph of the southern section of Western Esplanade.

Western Esplanade×

A modern photograph of the southern section of Western Esplanade.

Further reading:
Public Life in Southampton, Volume 2, by James Lemon, p182-185. (HS/l)
Pictorial Peep into the Past, by Arthur Smith, p32-34. (HS/d)

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