Bassett, Southampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bassett |
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 Bassett's neighbourhood shops on Winchester Road |
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 Bassett
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| Area | 4.53 km2 (1.75 sq mi) |
| Population | 14,532 (2001 & 2011 Census.Ward) |
| • Density | 3,208/km2 (8,310/sq mi) |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SOUTHAMPTON |
| Postcode district | SO15 |
| Dialling code | 023 |
| Police | Hampshire |
| Fire | Hampshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Bassett is a neighbourhood and an electoral ward in the City of Southampton, England. It is located north of the city centre. Bassett is mostly a residential area. It includes the University of Southampton's Glen Eyre Halls of residence, which is home to about 2,100 students.
Bassett also gives its name to a part of the A33 main road. This road connects the city centre to the M3 motorway. It is known for its beautiful tree-lined route into Southampton. The highest point in Southampton is on Bassett Avenue. It is about 82 metres (269 feet) above sea level.
Bassett Ward is an area that includes Bassett, Bassett Green, and Lordswood. In 2011, about 14,532 people lived in Bassett Ward.
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Exploring Bassett's Past
A family named 'Basset' lived in South Stoneham in the 1400s. The name of the area might come from them. The land that is now Bassett was once called Stoneham Common. An old map from 1791 shows 'Bassets Lane' but no village.
The village of Bassett first appeared on a map in 1810. It was located where Bassett Green Village is today. In the late 1700s, rich people built homes here. They wanted to live outside the city of Southampton. By 1897, this original Bassett was renamed Bassett Green. A new area to the west was then called Bassett.
In the late 1800s, Bassett had many large homes. These were owned by middle-class families. However, a local church leader noted that many people in Bassett were poor. They often worked as mechanics or labourers. In 1920, Bassett became part of Southampton. Other nearby areas also joined the city.
Where is Bassett?
Bassett is mainly a city or suburban area. It is located between two of Southampton's biggest open spaces. To the south is Southampton Common. To the north is Southampton Sports Centre.
The main shopping area is where three important roads meet. These roads are Hill Lane, Winchester Road, and Burgess Road. Hill Lane goes to the city centre. Winchester Road and Burgess Road cross the city from east to west. Here you can find a pharmacy, a bike shop, and a butcher called Uptons of Bassett. Uptons is famous for its sausages and pies. They have won many awards in competitions.
Famous Places in Bassett
The Bassett Hotel was a well-known building at 111 Burgess Road. It was built before 1871. This hotel became a popular place for music. Its back room had a jazz club called the Concorde Club. Famous musicians like Chris Barber and Joe Cocker performed there early in their careers. The Concorde Club later moved to a different location.
In 1972, the hotel was renovated. It became a Berni Steak House. Later, it changed hands again and became a Beefeater restaurant. Eventually, it closed down. The hotel was then demolished. A new residential care home was built on the site. In 1962, a tall 14-story building called Brampton Tower was built in Bassett.
Learning in Bassett
Younger children in Bassett usually go to schools in nearby areas. These include Bassett Green, Shirley, and Lordswood. Bassett is also close to two large secondary schools. These are Cantell School in Bassett Green and Regents Park Community College.
The University of Southampton has its distinctive Boldrewood Campus buildings in Bassett. This campus is at the eastern edge of the area. It used to house a Biomedical Sciences Centre. In 2014, a new centre was built there. It is a joint facility for the University of Southampton and Lloyd's Register.
Churches in Bassett
Bassett was originally part of the parish of North Stoneham. This parish dates back to the early 800s. It was connected to Hyde Abbey in Winchester. After monasteries were closed in the 1540s, the land changed owners.
As Bassett grew, a second church was built. This church is on Bassett Avenue. The first stone for the new church was laid in 1897. This church, St Michael and All Angels Church, is now a "Grade II listed building". This means it is an important historic building. The parish is now called "North Stoneham and Bassett". It covers all of Bassett and other nearby areas.
All Saints Church on Winchester Road opened in 1970. It serves the western part of the parish.
Sports and Fun in Bassett
Bassett is home to several of Southampton's main sports facilities. These places offer many ways to stay active and have fun.
Southampton Sports Centre
This centre is a large area of 150 acres. It has facilities for many sports. You can play football, netball, cricket, and hockey. There are also tracks for cycling and running. The centre has hosted big events. These include the Millennium Youth Games and national championships.
Southampton Snowsports Centre
This centre has three dry ski slopes. The main slope is 110 metres long. There is also a 90-metre slope and a 30-metre slope for beginners. All the slopes have lights for night-time skiing.
Southampton City Golf Course
This golf course is set in a woodland area. It has 27 holes. It was designed by J. H. Taylor, a famous golfer. The course opened in 1935. It celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010.
Red Lodge Community Pool
Bassett has its own swimming pool, which is 20 metres long. In 1999, the pool was almost closed down. But now, a charity runs it. The pool offers swimming lessons and public swimming times. Community groups can also book the pool.
