DiCamillo Companion
England

Basing House

Old Basing, near Basingstoke

Hampshire

England

Circa Date: 1535, incorporating earlier elements, w/17th century alterations

Status: Ruin

Mostly demolished in the 17th century

House Open to Public: Yes

Country House: Yes

crown This house has been used for TV and Film

  • House & Family History: Basing House was a five-story 16th century house that was considered in its time to be the greatest private house in the country (it rivaled Hampton Court Palace in size and opulence). Basing was built circa 1535 for William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester and treasurer to Edward VI, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, and was comprised of two linked houses: the Old House, located within a defensive ring of earthworks and incorporating the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle, and the New House, located outside the earthen defenses; a bridge and gateway linked the two houses. During the Civil War the house was severely damaged by Parliamentary troops, who attacked Basing on three separate occasions. On October 13, 1645, with the force of Oliver Cromwell's troops behind them, the Parliamentarians took the house, looted the contents, and left the building to be destroyed by fire (Cromwell encouraged locals to use the house's remaining stone and brick for building projects). After the Glorious Revolution the 1st Duke of Bolton, who owned the Basing Estate, took down the surviving parts of the house and built a new house at Hackwood. Today only the foundations and earthworks of Basing remain. Basing House had a number of royal visitors, including Edward VI in 1552, Elizabeth I in 1560, and James I in 1603.

  • House Listed: Grade II

    Park Listed: Grade II

  • "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (2016 - for the nightime graveyard scene).

  • Past Seat / Home of: William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester, until 1572; John Paulet, 2nd Marquess of Winchester, 1572-76; William Paulet, 3rd Marquess of Winchester, 1576-98; William Paulet, 4th Marquess of Winchester, 1598-1628; John Paulet, 5th Marquess of Winchester, 1628-45; Charles Paulet, 1st Duke of Bolton, 17th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Government

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

    Ownership Details: Owned by Hampshire County Council, who open the grounds and ruins to the public.

  • House Open to Public: Yes

    Phone: 01256-476-294

    Website: http://hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No

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