On Guard!

Went to Southampton today for a spot of shopping and for those who know Southampton you will be aware of the Bargate, a grade 1 listed medieval gatehouse which sits pretty much in the centre of the shopping centre.

Constructed originally in Norman times as part of the city walls it was the main entrance to the city at that time.

This chap is one of a pair who guard Bargates, identical yet mirror images of each other and made of lead, these statues appeared in their current from in 1743 - replacing the wooden versions of the Lions which appeared in 1522 for the visit of King Charles V of Spain.

Enough history for one blip, the shopping went well...