Welcome to The Red Lion Southampton
55 High Street, City Centre, Southampton - Phone 023 8033 3595
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The Red Lion, Southampton is situated in the High Street below the Bargate within the old walled town of Southampton - it is the oldest ale house in the city and was apparently one of the first ale houses to hold a licquor licence in 1552 ! 
Behind a Victorian frontage the pub cellar is of Norman vintage dating back to the 12th century and parts of the upper structure of the Inn, which have been considerably altered, are of Tudor origin which all lead to The Red Lion being a highly regarded Grade II listed building.
The most interesting part of the Inn's interior is the fine half timbered apartment known as Henry V's 'Court Room'. This was used for the trial of Richard Earl of Cambridge, Lord Scrope of Masham and Sir Thomas Grey of Heton, all of whom conspired against the life and crown of Henry V in 1415, immediately prior to Henry's departure from Southampton to Agincourt. in 1415.
The trial was a famous landmark in English history. The conspirators were found guilty of high treason and condemned to death. Richard Earl of Cambridge was beheaded on account of his Royal blood, Sir Thomas Grey was beheaded on account of him being a Knight of the Garter and Lord Scrope of Masham was hung, drawn and quartered. The two heads where presented to the North Front of The Bargate on Henry V departure to Agincourt. A rubbing from the stone describing the execution can be found in the 'Court Room' for all to see.The Red Lion, Southampton is also the only pub to be mentioned in William Shakespeare's play Henry V in Act 2 Scene II.
The Red Lion boasts in excess of 20 ghosts and with it's extensive history it's not suprising! Michael Carstairs haunts the bar area after hanging himself from the gallery on 4th April 1932, four men sit round the fire enjoying a drink, an old barmaid walks the gallery as well as a man who you can only see from the knees up due to the floor level rising over the years amongst many more. Needless to say they won't disturb your visit.....unless you ask them to!