This paper reports the tests of multistorey frames including a base rotating wall under lateral load reversals. The wall base rotation limited the input forces and prevented damage in the wall. The beams, however, were forced to deform much during the wall rotation. The inelastic behaviour of frame members and the uplifting rotation of a structural wall at its base were idealised, and the effect of wall base rotation on frame behaviour was studied through inelastic earthquake response analysis. The base rotating shear walls performed better than or as good as flexural yielding walls.