A Short Account of Basingstoke, Basing, and the Neighbourhood

A Short Account Of Basingstoke, Basing, And The Neighbourhood by James Elwin Millard. This concise local history surveys Basingstoke and its surrounding villages, drawing on town histories, archival documents, and editor’s notes to sketch the town’s ancient origins, civic development, and ecclesiastical heritage. The work discusses Domesday-era ownership, the chartered town under James I, and the evolution of its governance, markets, and notable institutions; it gives particular attention to St. Michael and All Angels Church, its stained glass, memorials, and fittings, and to connections with nearby sites such as Merton College and the hospital founded by Walter de Merton. A substantial portion lists vicars across centuries and records royal visits, religious sects, and the town’s role in the Civil War, including the siege of Basing House and its destruction. The volume also notes local geography, notable residents, and places of interest in the surrounding countryside. The Preface explains the editor’s aim to provide a simple handbook for residents and visitors.