Basing House In Reading
Basing House In Reading
Renowned as one of the biggest private houses in England Basing House in Reading was the residence of William Paulet who was the first Marques of Winchester during the Tudor Period. He played the role of Lord Treasurer under the rule of three dominant Tudor monarchs.
Basing was besieged and ruined by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War. Today those visiting this outstanding house can only witness its ruins and remains. Visitors can also explore the Norman earthworks which border the site. Quite recently the magnificent Tudor gardens of this ruined home have been rebuilt.
Present ruins of the Basing House includes Norman earthworks old Tudor kitchens cellars a tunnel that is 300 feet long towers and an impressive barn. There are also Inigo Jones designed Civil War defences. The recently restructured 16th and 17th century garden is also a site to see.
This spectacular old mansion has a long recorded history. It is said to have been attacked a total number of three times by Parliamentary troops. In August 1645 Basing was attacked for the final time. During the final attack with 800 men Colonel John Dalbier fought against the strong attacking force. Dalbier used different forms of attack such as poison gas burning of sulphur with wet straws and much more. It is said that Oliver Cromwell himself carried out the attack with the use of heavy artillery. It is also recorded that during the attack a heavy cannon weighing between 48 and 63 pounds was fired at the house. As a result in October 1645 the Basing House walls had been breached.
Those who wish to delve in to the remains of the once prestigious Basing House can do so by conveniently staying at a well serviced Hotel Reading. For instance visitors can stay at Copthorne Hotel Reading which is a charming accommodation positioned amidst a unique ambience.
About the writer: Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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