The theme of the competition is the Battle of Basing House, which occurred in 1645. Basing House, formerly the largest private house in Tudor England, is a local and nationally important historic site. The house was besieged and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. It was the last Royalist stronghold in the south east and a key site in the battle between King and Parliament. Basing House is now managed by Hampshire Cultural Trust, a heritage and arts charity. The Mayor, Cllr Diane Taylor, is inviting students from schools and sixth form colleges across the borough to get involved and be creative by entering the competition which is seeking art (in any form, for example drawing, photography, sculptures, music) and/or poetry submissions inspired by Basing House and/or the English Civil War.