Basing House, the Marquis of Winchester’s great fortified mansion, held out for the king through a long siege until it was stormed on 14 October 1645. Local tradition said the garrison was caught unawares because many of them were playing cards when the attackers came over the walls. Card players in the neighbourhood kept the story alive in a saying.
Clubs Trump at Basing House
Printed under 14 October · Basing, Hampshire
No longer kept
card players of the neighbourhood have still a common saying, of, "Clubs trump, as when Basing-house was taken."
From Hone's Year Book, cols. 1189-1190. Read the original
Get a copy: Amazon · Bookshop.org · AbeBooks
We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links.
Questions and comments