Lordshill

History

According to the Anglo-Saxon Charter of 956, Aldermoor, Lordswood, Lordshill and Coxford were all within the ancient boundary of the Manor of Millbrook. These were primarily farmland until the 20th century. Lordshill had one dead-end road to Tanner's Brook, between the Bedwell Arms Public House and Aldermoor Road, which was known to be steep with water frequently running down it from various springs. It got the nickname "Soapsuds Alley" because the washerwomen living there would normally throw their soapy water on to the road and the soapy water and the natural springs would mix causing a foaming torrent.

In 1964, Hampshire County Council bought 563 acre of land for development to cater for a population of 2,000. By 1967, Lordshill had been incorporated within Southampton city boundaries, and in 1969 development was in full swing building the new housing estates.

In 1982, Manston Court, a retirement home of 60 self-contained flats was built.

In 2006, Sinclair Junior School closed its doors, to be replaced by a housing association development called Berwick Close.

During late 2013 and early 2014, Oaklands Community School was demolished to make way for new housing, leaving only the swimming pool and the small community room in place.

Amenities

The local community areas have a mix of different shops as well as a community centre, library, church, swimming pool, and a healthcare centre. The main shopping area is called Lordshill District Centre. The library is a single story building that opened in 1977. The swimming pool reopened in 2015 after a £1.7 million refurbishment by Southampton City Council.

Schools

Local education includes two primary and junior schools: Sinclair School, which is a mixed primary and junior school, and Fairisle Infant and Junior Schools. Secondary education is provided by Oasis Academy Lord's Hill.

Transport

Lordshill is served by a number of frequent bus services by Bluestar, providing various links to the city centre, as well as surrounding towns and villages such as Romsey and North Baddesley.

The nearest railway station is Redbridge.

There are a large number of paths covering the Lordshill area. These appear to have been intended for cycle use, alongside the parallel pedestrian paths. Many of these have fallen into disrepair and only a few are signed as permitted cycle routes.

References

References

1. Brown, Jim (2007). "Shirley Warren", ''The Illustrated History of Southampton Suburbs'', P109
2. Brown, Jim (2007). "Shirley Warren", ''The Illustrated History of Southampton Suburbs'', P109
3. Brown, Jim (2007). "Shirley Warren", ''The Illustrated History of Southampton Suburbs'', P108
4. Brown, Jim (2007). "Shirley Warren", ''The Illustrated History of Southampton Suburbs'', P109
5. "How new town of Lordshill took shape".
6. Brown, Jim (2007). "Shirley Warren", ''The Illustrated History of Southampton Suburbs'', P110
7. "Sovereign and Spectrum complete merger to create 55000-home".
8. (n.d.). "Western Challenge and Southampton City Council Officially Name New Homes at Lordshill". Spectrum Housing Group.
9. "Oaklands School to be demolished but pool may yet be saved".
10. "£1.7m Work Starts to Reopen Old Southampton Pool".
11. "Home".
12. (2018). "The Buildings of England Hampshire: South". Yale University Press.
13. Maxwell Kusi-Obodum. (3 January 2015). "Joyous scenes as popular Oaklands Community Pool reopens.". Daily Echo.
14. [http://www.sinclair-pri.southampton.sch.uk/school/ Sinclair School]
15. [http://www.fairisle-jun.southampton.sch.uk/ Fairisle Junior School]
16. [http://www.oasisacademylordshill.org Oasis Academy Lord's Hill]
17. Reeve, John. (4 March 2011). "Groundbreaking ceremony for new Oasis Academy Lord's Hill". Daily Echo.