English Civil War Art and Poetry competition

Opportunity to be creative with local history

Basing House, formerly the largest private house in Tudor England, is a local and nationally important historic site. The house was besieged and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. It was the last Royalist stronghold in the south east and a key site in the battle between King and Parliament. Basing House is now managed by Hampshire Cultural Trust, a local heritage and arts charity.

The Mayor is inviting students to get involved and be creative by entering an Arts and Poetry Competition, seeking art (in any form, for example drawing, photography, sculptures, music) and/or poetry submissions inspired by Basing House and/or the English Civil War.

Subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted, the winner(s) will be invited to join the Mayor at a special opening of the English Civil War Art and Poetry Exhibition at Basing House. They will also receive a Mayor’s plaque and an annual family pass to Basing House. The winners’ schools will also each receive a free educational visit to Basing House, potentially including a travel bursary (subject to terms and conditions).

All entries need to be submitted by Friday 12 March 2021, and judging will take place on Friday 19 March 2021.

Send us your entries

Email: MayoralCoordinator@basingstoke.gov.uk

Post:
Zoe McLaren
Mayoral Events Coordinator
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG21 4AH

Download the documents below for full information and inspirational local history lesson plans to get you started … good luck.

How important was Basing House? (Upper KS2)(PDF) [3 Mb]

What happened at Basing House (KS3)(PDF) [3 Mb]

Queen Elizabeth I and her entourage

The fall of Basing House on 14 October 1645