Heritage Open Day: Discover Southampton’s rich history at God’s House Tower. Enjoy free entry to the Stories Behind the Stones exhibition, explore the gallery, and follow fun family trails around the building. A perfect day out in the heart of the Old Town. God’s House Tower (GHT) is one of Southampton’s most extraordinary historic landmarks, with over 800 years of rich and often surprising history. First built in 1189 as a gateway to protect the town from sea raids, the structure evolved from a medieval stronghold to a grim 18th-century prison, and later, a bustling Victorian warehouse.