The Great Wall of Basingstoke, written and presented by Rupert Willoughby

[@paullacey748]

I moved to Basingstoke in 1973. I have loved it ever since. My Children were all born here. I cannot believe how the old Basingstoke was destroyed to build 2 monstrosities of shopping centres. There was plenty of land around the town to build a New Shopping Centre. Shame on those that allowed that to happen. You cannot replace that lost history.

[@dotregan1506]

I moved here in 1966, from the London overspill and have also always loved it here. The two main shopping areas then were London Street, Wote Street & Church Street which were beautiful, we were very well catered for, with plenty of diversity.

[@anthonybartlett6924]

@@dotregan1506 parents moved us there in 64 got out of that dump in 71 now both parents dead will never have to set foot in that s hole ever again

[@ilb735]

Moved as a kid from Putney to Basingstoke 77/ 78, done my senior school yrs there, then left, also couldnt wait to get away.

[@JonWeston-dz2dq]

Many backhanders must have changed hands and I wouldn't say I like the way Planners destroyed Basingstoke, My Great Grandmother lived in Bunnion Place and love that the pub remained near the bridge.

[@michaelmccarthy4892]

Very educational, lived in Basingstoke my whole life and didn't know any of this.

[@hzr6597]

The greatest teacher in the world.

[@francesherati8195]

I moved to basingstoke in the 90s it abit soulless i am disabled and found it hard to make friends i tried to look it history up in the library got no help ,it should be proud of it history

[@darwinarmstrongfarr2069]

Do u remember the guys who got 22 and 11 percent in their Latin exams

[@shanemorrow5780]

Hi sir

[@debbiereavell2144]

We can indeed admire the wall. Built as a kind of castle, with turrets and brickwork to mimic crenellations, it is a fine thing. And by the way, there is a blue plaque to commemorate Walter de Merton's Hospital. it's on the wall roughly on the site of the hospital he founded for the 'wayfaring poor of Christ'. John Ring's workshop was in Chapel Street, I think rather than in Church Street. I knew the town well pre-town development and don't share your nostalgia. There were 4 houses of quality which were demolished - Queen Anne and Bedford in Church Street, Friends and Warren Houses in Wote Street. Apart from that, this area was substantially 19th century on the east side of Church Street. I've always puzzled why the large Methodist Church was built to stare hard at St Michael's parish church. Was the social engineering right? The idea to clear London's overcrowded houses and to offer homes with gardens to Londoners living in one room, kitchen on the landing, shared toilet? I feel it was right. Basingstoke is full of communities and friendliness. I am sad that you dislike it so.

[@stevewoodcock9749]

You are so correct Debbie. Life is never perfect and some people cannot accept progress.

[@henriamato-long1112]

do you remember me sir

[@exxtortggs757]

You taught me Greek sir 👁👄👁

[@sallyh8400]

So much of this destruction in 60s and 70s. Destroyed beautiful buildings and environments and in so doing, communities and mental health. See the brilliant series 'The Secret History of Our Streets' - shows similar stories in Deptford, Bermondsey, Glasgow and more. One of the best thing I've seen on telly..

[@stuarturquhart9363]

Great video and agree on most points. However Basingstoke needed change but was it done correctly?? No imo.

[@wessexfox5197]

Thanks Le Corbusier. I only moved to Basingstoke this year but it is so sad how much this town has been turned into a generic city like landscape.

[@joeweston3252]

whenever l come into town l face this eyesore l,ve never been fond of it reminds me of a prison and you wonder if your ever leave it l wondered why it wasn't flattened when they rebuilt the new centre festival place l wouldn't miss it if it went.

[@roshantailor1390]

Alright sir?

[@roshantailor1390]

It’s me

[@MyUnknowing]

If only it had a mural on it of the old buildings found on church street

[@keithlane4705]

(Han Solo - When stepping inside) And I thought it looked bad .. on the outside

[@ElizabethWilloughby-j3i]

go dad.

[@gillmaster1232]

It’s sir 😂😂

[@cheesycrisps1046]

Hi

[@tonupharry]

Great a place worse than Swindon Same planners methinks

[@jl_draws4383]

Hes so racist