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Old Basing is a village and civil parish in north east Hampshire, UK. It is situated just to the east of Basingstoke, and in the 2001 census had a population of 7,232. Its correct name is Basing, (which several neighbouring village signs highlight), and while Basingtoke has grown, the 'Old' seems to suit Basing well.
Old Basing was first settled around 700 by an Anglo-Saxon tribe known as the Basingas, who give the village its name. It was the site of the Battle of Basing on January 22, 871 when a Danish Army defeated Ethelred of Wessex. It is also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The centre of the village, The Street, contains many old houses, and St Mary's Church. The River Loddon, whose source is nearby, flows through the village, which is perhaps best known for the ruins of Basing House which was built between 1532 and 1561 on the site of a Norman castle and was placed under siege for 24 weeks during the English Civil War.
Many names in modern Old Basing allude to the war, such as Cavalier Road and Muskett Copse as well as several sites named after Oliver Cromwell including Oliver's Battery, Cromwell Cottage and award-winning fish and chip shop Oliver's.
Education
Old Basing provides both an infant school and a junior school. The junior school, named St Mary's, is aided by the Church of England. A new primary school has recently opened in nearby Lychpit. Children from Old Basing proceed to a variety of secondary schools in the Basingstoke area.
Sport
The Recreation Ground in Old Basing plays host to a variety of sporting events as well as the Old Basing Carnival. There are rugby and football pitches which overlap a cricket ground in addition to five tennis courts (of which one is free), an archery area and a lawn bowling green.
Local Politics
Old Basing elects a councillor to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and is part of the Basingstoke constituency in elections to Parliament.
The current Member of Parliament for Basingstoke is Maria Miller and the current councillor is Sven Godesden. Both are members of the Conservative Party.
References
Edward Lear makes reference to Old Basing in his Book of Nonsense of 1846 (number 37):
"There was an Old Person of Basing, Whose presence of mind was amazing; He purchased a steed, Which he rode at full speed, And escaped from the people of Basing."
Location
Position:
Nearby towns and cities: Andover, Basingstoke, Newbury, Reading, Winchester
Nearby villages: Aldermaston, Alton, Baughurst, Bramley, Hook, Kingsclere, Lychpit, Oakley, Overton, Silchester, Tadley, Whitchurch.
External links
"Old Basing"