Southampton: An Overview, 2000 Years of History

The first settlement of any consequence was founded by the Romans in the mid-first century. Most historians believe it was called Clausentum (43-410 AD). It was established on the eastern bank of the River Itchen; by present day
A second settlement was established in the middle Saxon period called Hamwic. Substantial archaeological evidence placing Hamwic on the west bank of the River Itchen around modern day St Mary's church from around 700 AD to 900 AD. There is archaeological evidence of metal and glass working. Hamwic's decline is something of a mystery. Reasons include silting-up, Viking raids, and the growth of Winchester as an administrative centre...

10 pages, 1995 words, book list, and extensive chronology spanning 2000 years