Summary
Mid- to late-C18 shophouse, extended and remodelled during the C19 and later C20.
History
Modest rural settlements likely existed in the area as far back as the first century. By the time of the Norman Conquest of 1066, Reading had become a town of notable size. After Reading Abbey was founded in 1121, the town grew substantially, spurred by cloth production, the establishment of the new Market Place, and what would today be known as London Street, an extension to the High Street that facilitated trade to and from London. By 1525, the town’s thriving cloth industry led Reading to become the largest town in Berkshire. In 1542, Henry VIII’s royal charter made Reading a borough. John Speed’s map shows that by 1611 King Street joined London Street on the east to Broad Street on the West. A small collection of buildings can also be seen flanking the south side of the new market square in front of the Abbey, suggesting that a modest block of buildings has always existed between King Street and the new Market Place. Following significant upheaval during the Civil War, the town flourished during C18 and C19. The town saw numerous advances in infrastructure, such as the introduction of railway companies, the navigability of the River Kennet, and the growth of the brewing industry.
Details
Mid- to late-C18 shophouse, extended and remodelled during the C19 and later C20.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
38983
Legacy System:
LBS
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
End of official list entry
