HMS Southampton

Six Royal Navy ships have borne the name HMS "Southampton", named for the English South coast port.

* The first "Southampton" was a 48 gun 4th rate launched in 1693. The ship was rebuilt in 1700, hulked at Jamaica in 1728 and finally broken up in 1771.
* The second "Southampton" was a 32 gun 5th rate launched in 1757. The ship was wrecked off the Bahamas in 1812.
* The third "Southampton" was a 60 gun 4th rate that was launched in 1820. In 1867 the ship was lent to the Hull Committee, finally being sold in 1912.
* The fourth "Southampton" was a Town-class light cruiser launched in 1912 and sold in 1927. She fought at the battle of Jutland.
* The fifth "Southampton", was a Town-class cruiser. The ship was launched in 1936 and saw heavy service in World War II, succumbing to bombs off Crete on 11 January 1941.
* The sixth and current "Southampton" is a Type 42 destroyer, due to be decommissioned in 2008.