Walls of Southampton

When I visited the Hampshire city of Southampton this summer I was surprised to discover that some of its medieval walls were still extant. I associate walls with York and Chester, which had to protect themselves against the Scots and Welsh respectively. Yet Southampton was protected by the sea, why would it need walls? In the early morning of October, 1338, a number of ships silently slipped into the harbour, bearing French and Genoese soldiers. The town was attacked, looted and burnt, the raiders sailing off with their booty. A furious Edward III ordered the walls be constructed, the market traders arcades forming the outline which may still be seen.

Southampton thought it was safe, but it wasn’t. Had the walls been there already, the French and Italians might have stolen fewer goods or, more likely, not bothered trying. It is better to prepare for attack before it comes, both personally and as a church. So prepare for persecution. Prepare for prosecution. Prepare for mockery. Prepare for spiritual warfare. The Lord promised us as much: why should we be exempted?

Interestingly, it was through this gateway in Southampton’s walls that King Henry V led his troops to a great victory over the French at Agincourt in 1415. So we prepare for defence, but also the offensive. We are not just to hold the fort and await attack from the gates of hell, but to sally forth.

Be favourable unto Zion for thy good pleasure: build the walls of Jerusalem. Psalm 51:18, Geneva Bible

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