Hampshire.info

Basingstoke is now perceived as part of London's commuter districts, but it has an independent history that dates back a long time. The name is believed to have been drived from Embasinga stocæ, Basa's( a leader) people. The Basingstoke market was mentioned in the Domesday Book but the hillfort at Winklebury which is a few miles away dates back far earlier to the iron age.

The town has had an interesting history, being involved in the civil war at the siege of Basing House. During the victorian era, it had a canal and was also became within distance of London with the arrival of the railway line. Amongst famous inhabitants are Thomas Burberry, the inventor of the Gabardine coat whose name is now one of the major fashion chains.

The town underwent some major development during the 1960s, partially due to damage during the war, but in London Street there are still signs of architecture from the 17th century to the present day.