Kaia on Nostr: Basing House is located in Old Basing, near Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England. ...

Basing House is located in Old Basing, near Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England. Originally, it was a medieval castle built in the 12th century, but in the 16th century, it was transformed into a magnificent fortified palace with nearly 400 rooms, surrounded by walls, towers and a dry moat.

During the English Civil War (1642–1651), it became an important Royalist stronghold because of its strategic position on the road between London and the west of England. It was defended by John Paulet, the 5th Marquess of Winchester, who supported King Charles I. Parliamentarian forces besieged the house three times: in November 1643 and between June and November 1644, when the Royalists successfully resisted the attacks. The final siege began in August 1645, and Oliver Cromwell arrived with heavy artillery in October. On 14 October 1645, his troops captured Basing House, looted it and set it on fire, leaving it in ruins.