The original A30 By-pass in Basingstoke has since been by-passed by a newer A30, but much of it is still in use. This photographic essay travels along its post-war route.
It was around 1932 That the new road was opened by passing the town centre. I find this in interesting in itself as the demand for cars would not have been as great as it was to come. (Who could own a car in 1933?) However, congestion in the town was such a problem that councilors acted quickly. The ancient Harrow way/ Pack Lane was utilized as the solution. The first part built off Black Dam roundabout is still in use as the current A30 but now a dual carraigeway. Its not a perfect fit, but this montage shows a ‘then and now’ where the Bypass started.
When the newer A30 was built, it veered away to the right. To continue and find the original by-pass route, I have to start in the bushes…
Grove Road gets its name from ‘The Grove’, as marked on O.S six inch maps around 1880s, but on later editions seems to be known as ‘Skippets House’
Cliddesden Road is another old road I could write more on. The M3 Motorway effectively severed its purpose, and later was closed off at the new A30 end. The houses along the road are quite grand, a testemant to its importance.
After this roundabout, the Road is named ‘The Harrow Way’ Also known as ‘Harroway’ is one of the oldest Wessex routes dating from the Neolithic Period part of ‘The Old Way’
If you liked to know more about this ancient route read here
Viables was an old farm and most of the buildings are still there. Its now divided into units for craft makers, small businesses and cafes. There is a also a miniture railway society based there with a track, which is regulary open to the public at weekends.
12). We approach Viables Roundabout. Talking of railways, The Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway used to cut across the road, towards the end of its 12 mile journey, and it still would have been outside the town when the by-pass arrived. In the modern roundabout and subways they have preserved a section… If you want to know more about the history of The Basingstoke and Alton Railway click here.
Brighton Hill Roundabout
Brighton Hill is one of the busiest roundabouts in Basingstoke as the town developed in the 70’s & 80’s. The old road met at a junction opposite the White House, a farm, (Now Pizza Express). The roundabout still carried the A30 from the right.
I have also found out there was an Italian Prisoner of War camp on the site where the Halford Store is.
16). From Brighton Hill in Winchester Road, (on the what is now the old A30), next to the Shell Garage and where Home Bargains is now, was a restuarant called the ‘Pied Piper’.
The motorist was catered for with several pubs around this junction. And it was here The Beatles stopped for some refreshment on their way to Southampton in 1967, It may not be a cultural highlight for them, but its the only known Photo’s of the Fab Four in Basingstoke! You can read more and see the photos on this fascinating musical footnote in RazRazzle’s blog here. (And more besides… a really good read and local history).
I’m not sure when the Road was diverted, but on my O.S. 1973 Landranger map this stretch is still classed as The A30. The new road construction looks around the 80’s to me.
Incidently Pack Lane carries to Oakley and picks up the Original Great West Road. (You can read more about the history of The Great West Road around Basingstoke on my blog here).
From Brighton Hill Roundabout, the A30 route was diverted and joined back on to the existing Winchester Road. This feels a bit like how we started – the old road is overgrown and closed off- You also wouldn’t want to loiter too long after dark around there!
So there it is. In time the By-pass was surpassed by a new A30. I feel a bit sorry for it especially how it literally finishes a bit undistinguished. But The Harrow Way / Pack Lane which were central in its development, are of course are much older routes and we still use them today to get around Basingstoke.
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I believe the A30 route described is the second Basingstoke bypass, the first one was New Road which was created by knocking down lots of houses and sheds between the back of Winchester road and London Road as far as Southern road.
As far as I am aware the White House has always been in the hospitality trade with rooms to let. MrGifford stayed here before founding Giffords garage and motorbike shop at Giffords corner (corner of New road and Winchester street). Giffords bikeshop has gone through many tenants and is now Basing Bikes.
Hotels and inns were always found at junctions on main roads, especially turnpike roads like the A30. As well as the Pied Piper and the White House there was also the much older Stag and Hounds which appears on 18th century maps. The Tower Transport cafe (built 1937) has been demolished but was popular with lorrydrivers.
Thanks Heather for the extra details. All helps add to a better reference.