BattlefieldsSieges of Basing House 1643-1645
English Civil War

Sieges of Basing House 1643-1645

1643–1645
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Basing House 1643-45 · Storming of Basing House
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Registered · Registered Battlefield (Historic England)
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (Marquess of Winchester)
Forces
Royalists c.1,200–2,000
VS
Victor
Parliament (Cromwell)
Forces
Parliament c.2,000–5,000
Outcome
Basing House stormed October 1645; defenders killed or taken; house burned; Inigo Jones captured
The Battle

History & Significance

Basing House in Hampshire was the largest private house in England and the Marquess of Winchester's great Catholic stronghold. It withstood two years of parliamentary siege, supplied by Royalist field armies. Cromwell himself conducted the final assault on 14 October 1645 with a mixed force of New Model Army and London brigade troops. The assault killed around 100 defenders and the house was burned. The architect Inigo Jones was found wrapped in a blanket having lost his clothes. The ruins are still visible.

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: Registered Battlefield (Historic England).

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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