Basingstoke

Basingstoke, a market town and municipal borough of Hampshire, 45-1/2 miles from London on the South-Western Railway, and connected by canal with the Wey and Thames. The church of St. Michael dates from the sixteenth century. There is a considerable trade in corn, malt, and agricultural produce. Basing House, two miles distant, was defended by the Marquis of Winchester against the Parliament until captured and destroyed by Cromwell in 1645.