Gardeners' World (1968)

Episode Overview

Basing House in Hampshire, once a grand residence of the Paulet family and among the largest private estates in Britain, faced destruction during the English Civil War. Today, much of its ruins are classified as a Protected Ancient Monument, but Time Team receives permission to excavate near the former path of the Basingstoke Canal. Their discoveries reveal remnants of the final assault in 1645. Across the road, they uncover evidence of a hunting lodge built by Charles Paulet around 1690, but the area’s complex history complicates the archaeology, making it difficult to piece together in just three days. Meanwhile, the English Civil War Society arrives to reenact the siege, setting up camp in the Great Barn and demonstrating how musket and pistol balls were made.