Sack Of Southampton

One of the bloodiest days in Southampton's history, prior to the Second World War, occurred on Sunday 4th October 1338. At the time, fortifications of the settlement facing the sea were dilapidated and in urgent need of repair, so when a fleet of French and Genoese landed bent on pillage, the townsfolk were virtually unprotected. Led by Sir Hugh Quiriel, they killed and pillaged as they went - many townsfolk were massacred as they sheltered in the church of St Michael's. The invaders were driven out of the town the next day, back across the Channel to Dieppe, leaving the town to ponder the devastation and loss of life. The scale of the attack can be judged by the fact that up to 300 invaders were killed.

As a result of the attack, the crumbling sea-facing defences of the town were rebuilt and strengthened on the instruction of Edward III, and this work continued for some years, and included the reconstruction of Southampton Castle by Richard II.

Our song depicting these events was written by Rob (Sibby) Sibthorpe, and was originally sung by Lyn and Chris Kellaway.

Southampton In Song
The Songs