Basingstoke's heritage campaigner releases third book

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A young heritage campaigner has released his third book.

Liam Harding, 23, from Basingstoke, said his new publication, Liam Harding’s Philosophy-life quotes from an unlisted and unforgettable heritage hero, is a reflection on personal growth.

The 155-page book is described as a collection of self-reflection and life lessons inspired by his advocacy efforts and personal journey.

Mr Harding said: "This book is a closing loop to all the hard work that I’ve done in the past year in regards to my campaign and writing and in a way it explains the mind behind the heritage mystic without trying to blow myself out of proportion."

Liam Harding with his new book (Image: Supplied)

This latest release follows two earlier titles – Basingstoke Town FC-The team for me! published in August 2025, and Poems of Basingstoke in January.

Mr Harding became known for his campaign to have historic sites in Basingstoke added to the national heritage list.

Despite support from MP Luke Murphy, Hampshire Cultural Trust, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the campaign was unsuccessful.

Mr Harding said: "A number of people including the Basingstoke Heritage Society supported what I was trying to do in regards to my heritage campaign, but a lot of people thought I was crazy and that I should be focusing on myself instead, which is difficult as a fairly selfless person but also as an avid history fanatic."

He credited his recent ADHD diagnosis as a source of determination.

Mr Harding said: "Some might think that ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions are limiting and although I struggle with certain things, overall it’s a superpower, and I would personally encourage more people to use their unique perspective of the world to make it a better place even when others disagree with you."

The book also touches on broader topics, offering words of encouragement for young people facing housing and employment challenges during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Harding is the great-grandson of football legend Ted Drake, who played for England, Southampton, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

He also helped secure a memorial plaque for Drake at Arsenal’s old Highbury ground.

In November 2025, he also had his great-grandfather nominated into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame on second attempt following nine months of campaigning.

Liam Harding’s Philosophy-life quotes from an unlisted and unforgettable heritage hero is available on Amazon Marketplace, with both hardback and eBook on the Kindle store at £10.

The paperback edition is priced at £12.65.

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