Berkshire History for Kids: Basildon Park

Restored after Rack & Ruin

Basildon Park is a big Georgian mansion in Mid-Berkshire. It is near Reading.
It was built by Sir Francis Sykes in 1776. It took 7 years to finish.
Sir Francis was a friend of India's Governor, Warren Hastings, who lived nearby at Purley Hall. He made lots of money in that country.
Sir Francis' son & most of his family died of scarlet fever in Germany! One grandson survived, but he spent all his grandfather's money. The family had to sell the house.
James Morrison then lived there in Victorian Times. He liked art and helped set up the National Gallery in London.
In the 1st World War, Basilson Park was used as a hospital. It was later deserted. There was a plan to take it down and rebuild it in America! This didn't happen and it began to fall apart.
In 1952, Lord Iliffe's son bought the house and did it up. It now belongs to the National Trust. It is open to the public.