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About Southampton Enjoying a central position on the English south coast, the city of the Southampton, has played an important part in church history. It was from here that the Pilgrim Fathers sailed for the New World. Southampton still remembers Isaac Watts, its famous son who penned so many famous hymns. A statue of Watts made from white Sicilian marble can be found in Western Park (also known as Watts’s Park) in the centre of Southampton. To see a map of the spot, click here. Still-standing, the Bargate is the old entrance from the north to the walled City of Southampton. Just yards away is the site of the Above Bar Congregational Church where Isaac Watts’s hymns were first sung. Here was where Watts worshipped with his family. And it was for this congregation that Watt’s hymns were first composed. The hymns that could be heard coming from that church 300 years ago can now be heard throughout the whole world. Shops stand on the site but you can see a plaque on the Primark store in Vincent’s Walk. To see a map of the spot, click here. Walking through the centre of Southampton on any day, you may also hear a familiar tune. The melody well known for accompanying Watts's hymn "Our God our Help in Ages Past" is chimed regularly from the Civic Centre clock tower. As for other lasting memorials to Watts, you’ll find The Avenue St Andrews URC Church - a short walk from the city centre of Southampton, near the Common - has historical items of interest. The St Andrews Church can be linked directly to Watts ... Watts and his father had attended the Above Bar Congregational Church. The building of this church was bombed in the Second World War and so the congregation moved to a new building at Brunswick Place. Later, this building was demolished and the people then worshipped at St Andrews instead. There are also memorials to Watts in London. A bust of Watts can be seen in Westminster Abbey, while his grave can be visited at Bunhill Fields cemetery in the City of London. Southampton web links |
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