A History of Basingstoke

Basingstoke’s Early Years

Basingstoke began as a Saxon village and in 1086 had a population of around 200. It grew into a small town in the Middle Ages and by the 1200’s its population had grown to three times that of a couple of centuries earlier. The town still only consisted of four streets; Market Square, Church Road (which is still there), Mote Street and Lower Broke Lane. By the end of the thirteenth century Basingstoke had been given a charter and its people were self sufficient growing their own food. Three large fields around the town were used for growing food; imaginably called west field, south field and north field. There was a common where anyone was allowed to graze livestock, although people were employed to look after the livestock. The most important industry at this time was the wool industry, with wool woven locally. Other industries included tailors, blacksmiths, bakers and brewers.

A History of Fire

There was tragedy in Basingstoke in 1392 when a fire devastated the town. It caused loss of life and much damage to buildings that were mostly made of wood with thatched roofs. After this the King granted Basingstoke a new charter and made the towns people into a corporation and gave them the right to use common seal making the town entirely independent. Another fire struck in 1601 and yet another in 1656, this one destroying the town hall which was rebuilt the following year.

Civil War

Basingstoke played a part in the civil war between the King and parliament which began in 1642. Basingstoke took the side of parliament but the Marquis of Winchester, who owned Basing House in the town (which still stands), supported the King. The following year parliament soldiers attempted to take Basing House but this attempt proved unsuccessful. They tried and failed again another year later. A further year on in 1645 Cromwell led an army to again try to take Basing House, this time managing to take control. Weapons, food, furniture and jewels were amongst the items taken.

Growth in Population

From the beginning to the end of the 19th century Basingstoke’s population grew by almost 300%. More industries began to grow and a railway opened in 1839. By the middle of the century you could reach London, Southampton and Reading by train. The Haymarket was built as a corn exchange in 1865. After a fire in 1925 it was turned into a Theatre, which is still successful to this day.

The Twentieth Century

The population grew massively in the twentieth century. By 1930 it has grown to around 14,000. During World War 2 children were evacuated to Basingstoke as it was not thought to be in danger. It was, however, bombed and six people died. Post war, council estates began to be built around the town, further expanding the geographical area it covered.

London Overspill

1961 was an important year in the continuing growth of Basingstoke. It was decided that it would become an overspill town of London. A plan for 37,000 people to be moved from London to Basingstoke was drawn up, which included a plan for an increase in population from 16,000 to 75,000. This obviously meant a massive expansion in size. Many more housing estates were built around the edge of the town.

Modern Basingstoke

Basingstoke has now grown into a large town, with a population of around 150,000 people. Much of the previously outdated town centre was rebuilt at the beginning of the twenty-first century. In 2002 the Festival Place Shopping Centre was opened, vastly increasing the number of visitors to Basingstoke. Employment in Basingstoke now consists mostly of shop workers and office workings, but many commute to London for work.

Andrew Marshall (c)