Uncover our heritage

Basingstoke market was recorded in the Domesday survey. Since 1241 this has been held on a Wednesday.

The Holy Ghost burial ground has been in use since 1208 during the reign of King John and was extended in 1858 to the current footprint to accommodate the growing population of the town. Several well known people, including Thomas Burberry, are buried here.

It served as a significant Royalist stronghold until it was destroyed in 1645. At this time, Basing House was owned by the fifth Marquess of Winchester, John Paulet. You can still visit the ruins today.

Henry Portal, founder of Portals paper mill set up his first mill at Bere Mill, in Whitchurch. It later transferred to Laverstoke Mill, now home to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery. In 1724 he obtained the contract to make bank notes.

Famous author Jane Austen was born in Steventon, spending the first 25 years of her life in the village. She was known to have visited Basingstoke to attend dances. You’ll find her statue in Market Place in Basingstoke town centre.

The Basingstoke Canal officially opened. It was built to connect Basingstoke to the River Thames in London via the Wey Navigation.

The railway opened between Basingstoke and London and Winchester and Southampton.

Thomas Burberry started his business in 1856 in Winchester Street. His clothing factory opened in New Street in central Basingstoke in 1868. See the blue plaques outside his former premises on the town trail.

The Haymarket was rebuilt to re-house the town’s Corn Market. In 1951 the building became a theatre and the stained glass canopy you see today was added in 1993.

The Thornycroft Company began manufacturing cars in Basingstoke, continuing until 1912. Visit Milestones to see a large Thornycroft collection, as well as a recreation of part of the factory. 

War Memorial Park was opened to the public. In 2001 the park was restored as a nod to its 18th Century appearance, and the bandstand moved to the Festival of Britain Gates entrance.

Sandham Memorial Chapel was built in the 1920s for Stanley Spencer and contains his paintings. The image shows the exterior of Sandham Memorial Chapel. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson

Eastrop Park was created for residents during the redevelopment of the town in the 1960s when Basingstoke was designated as an overspill of London. Construction of a new town centre began in 1967.

The M3 motorway opened.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was created in 1974.

Work started on building The Anvil concert hall in August 1992 and the building was officially opened on 3 May 1994.

Festival Place opened.

In 2024 we celebrate 50 years of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.