Basing House, home of John Paulet, the fifth Marquess of Winchester, was known as Loyalty House for the fierce commitment of the Marquess to the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. As the House guarded the main road from London to the west country (now the A30) it was strategically important during the war. This led to it being besieged on three separate occasions, culminating in its fall at the hands of Oliver Cromwell and its subsequent destruction. 

Join the modern Marquess of Winchester’s regiment amongst the ruins of the House for a weekend of demonstrations and displays bringing the seventeenth century to life. There will be displays of military drill, a skirmish to show how the weaponry of the time was actually used, alongside various aspects of civilian life. Talk to a soldier or a cook. Try on armour. Find out how a musket or a cannon works. 

The event is included in the normal admission price to the site, which is open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. 

Basing House website