The fascinating story of the city's growth includes many examples of its links to the U.S. Highlighting its maritime heritage, this history explores the intimate relationship Southampton has with the sea, principally since the coming of the steamship. Sheltered deep water and minimal tidal variation have been of unrivaled benefit to this port that has found favor since Roman times. There have nevertheless been periods both of prosperity and decline, and this book tells the fascinating story of the city's growth. Interwoven with biographical details from the author, who worked in Southampton for 20 years, this book reveals his family connections with the port that go back to the time when his grandfather sailed from Southampton to South Africa at the commencement of the Anglo Boer War.