Basing House, Hampshire, was a major English Tudor palace and castle that once rivalled Hampton Court Palace in its size and opulence. Today only the foundations and earthworks remain.

History

Basing House was built in 1535 as a new palace for Sir William Paulet, the first Marquess of Winchester and treasurer to King Edward VI, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I.

In its final form, Basing House was made up of two linked houses. The Old House was located within a defensive ring of earthworks and walls, whilst the more modern New House was a more domestic building, located outside the defenses. The two were linked by a bridge and gateway across and through the defenses, a link that was to prove fatal in the final battle for Basing House. Taken together, the house had 380 rooms, was 5 storeys high and was considered by many to be the greatest private house in the country.

At the time of the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, Basing House belonged to John Paulet , the fifth Marquis of Winchester, who was a supporter of King Charles I. As a consequence, Basing House was attacked by parliamentary troops on three different occasions. The first two attacks were successfully driven off by the defenders.

The final seige started in August of 1645 when Colonel John Dalbier , with 800 troops, took up position around the walls. The garrison held out, despite further reinforcements to the attacking force, until Oliver Cromwell arrived with heavy artillery. By October 13 1645 the New House had been taken and the defenses of the Old House breached. The final storming took place across the link from the New House. Many valuable goods were carried off and a fire destroyed the building.

John Paulet had his estates confiscated, and was sent to the Tower of London on a charge of high treason, although these charges were later dropped, and the site of Basing House returned to him by King Charles II. His son Charles Paulet became wealthy again as a consequence of his support for William of Orange during the Glorious Revolution. This wealth was used to pull down what was left of Basing House and to build a new house at Hackwood .

Location

Basing House is located in the village of Old Basing, approximately one mile east of the centre of the new town of Basingstoke, in the north of the English county of Hampshire. The house is situated close to the upper reaches of the River Loddon. Because of congestion in Old Basing, the car park for the house is situated situated several hundred yards away and is accessed by an attractive riverside walk.

Access

The extensive ruins of Basing House, together with a small explanatory exhibition, are open to the public. At the time of writing (November 22, 2004), the ruins are open from April to September, Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm to 6pm, with an admission charge of £1-2. For more details see the Basing House webs page in 'External links' below.

External links

• Basing House web page