Southampton's Round Headed Man

[Duncan J]

I was searching for some information for my sons school project on Round Heads (English Civil War) and found a post about a round headed man that watches the ships come into Southampton. I found it on a blog for a search engine optimization company and was wandering if it was a bit of marketing or for real.

I guess my question is, has anyone seen him? Or would anyone want to wake up at 4 am just for the chance of seeing him?

I think I would prefer my bed and myself think it is a marketing ploy as the optimization company do have a page on and also seem to do cruise websites.

[kruzseeka]

Is this the link you found?

http://www.drabdesign.com/blog/archives/15

It seems as though it's one of those 'in jokes' which has had a wider distribution and is an example of how 'nothing' can become 'something' just by being out-there.

I don't think there's anything in it at all. But then again..................

(We live close to Southampton and it's the first I've heard of it. The City website and tourism sites don't mention it.)

[Duncan J]

I looked at the site again and I think you may be right. It looks like a private joke between two people, maybe a bet or something.

However with further investigation they seem to be behind two cruise related travel companies. One of these goes under the cruises banner (cruise.co.uk) and the other under the cruise holidays banner, (cruiseVIP.co.uk).

We have probably helped them in their cause, but then perhaps that shows their marketing skills.

[Duncan J]

Forgot to say, I have emailed admin@drabdesign.com as this seems to be the email associated with the posts and will post on here their answer.

[Duncan J]

I got an email back from Drabdesign and they say it WAS a joke between the owner of Drabdesign and his friend (Dave Laight) who they call Round Headed Man. Apparently he does often drive at 4 in the morning to watch the ships come in!

So not a marketing ploy, just fun!

[kruzseeka]

Thanks for getting back, Duncan. I can visit Southampton now without having to look over my shoulder ..........