Reading
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Reading from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Reading's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Reading Gaol (main building) former Her Majesty's Prison
Reading
County gaol, 1842-4 by George Gilbert Scott and William Boynthon Moffatt, altered c.1970.
Church of St Mary
Reading
A church, originally of C11 date and much enlarged and altered in the C16, C17, C19 and C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Reading Town Hall
Reading
A group of municipal buildings which include the Town Hall, two Concert Halls, Museum and Register Office for Reading, but which formerly also housed the Library and Art college, together...
11 Castle Street
Reading
Former congregational chapel, built in 1837, designed by JJ Cooper, converted to retail use in around 1956, subsequently converted to use as a public house in the late 1990s.
39 Castle Street
Reading
Late-C18 house, extended to the rear during the C19, with the ground floor rebuilt in the C20 after use as a shop. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Reading Cemetery
Reading
A mid-C19 cemetery, laid out 1842-3 in formal and informal style for a private cemetery company, with planting by nurserymen Sutton and Son of Reading.
The Royal Meteorological Society, 104 Oxford Road
Reading
Detached house, built in the late C18 or early C19, converted to offices in the C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
6-10 Bridge Street
Reading
Institutional building, constructed during the mid-C19. Used as a school, converted to office use during the late C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
23 and 25 Castle Street
Reading
Pair of townhouses, built early C19, converted at ground-floor level to shops by the 1950s and converted to offices during the 1960s, combined during the 1970s or 1980s, and converted to...
8 Gun Street
Reading
House, constructed in around the late C18, converted to commercial use at ground-floor level by the 1840s. Read the official list entry to find out more.
3 and 5 London Road
Reading
The building now known as 3 and 5 London Road, probably originally a house with commercial premises included, constructed in the C16 or possibly earlier, now two dwellings.
149-169 Oxford Road
Reading
Terrace of 11 houses built during the 1820s, converted to various uses during the C20 including shops and offices, now flats. Read the official list entry to find out more.
15 Gun Street
Reading
Public house, constructed during the C17, altered during the early C19 and further altered and extended during the late C20. The building is currently (2023) in use as a restaurant.
27 Castle Street
Reading
Late-C18 house, in use as a shop and brewery during the mid-C19, a public house around the 1950s, then as apartments around 2015. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church House, Reading
Reading
Early- to mid-C18 house, extended in the 1930s and converted to a restaurant in the 2010s. Read the official list entry to find out more.
13 Castle Street
Reading
House constructed during the C18 incorporating parts of an earlier, possibly C17 building. It is currently (2023) in use as offices. Read the official list entry to find out more.
3-5 King Street
Reading
Bank built 1838-1839, attributed to Henry and Nathaniel Briant, extended in 1893 and converted to a restaurant in the 2010s. Read the official list entry to find out more
Reading Abbey: a Cluniac and Benedictine monastery and Ci…
Reading
Reading Abbey exemplifies medieval monastic influence, surviving as a Grade I listed ruin after its 16th-century dissolution.
Rox Borough House, 101 Oxford Road
Reading
A detached house, built around 1859, converted to offices. Read the official list entry to find out more.
43 Castle Street
Reading
Townhouse, constructed during the late C18, extended by the mid-C19, converted to offices by 1953. Read the official list entry to find out more.
11 and 12 Gun Street
Reading
An early-C19 house or pair of houses with modern shopfront, now arranged as apartments. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Simeon Monument
Reading
Monument by Sir John Soane, commissioned by Edward Simeon and installed in Market Place in 1804. The monument was restored in the C21. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Harrinson Testimonial Cross
Reading
Commemorative cross, designed by Spencer Slingsby-Stallwood and erected in 1887. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Greyfriars Church
Reading
Formerly a monastic church for the Franciscan order who were given the site by Reading Abbey in 1285.
72 London Street
Reading
72 London Street, a former savings bank, built in 1849 to designs by John Billing. Read the official list entry to find out more.
51 Castle Street
Reading
House, built between 1800 and 1830, ground-floor used as a commercial premise, and converted to office use by the mid-C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
33 London Street
Reading
Scientific and mechanics' institution, completed in 1843 to designs by William Brown.
15 Friar Street and Numbers 1 and 26 Harris Arcade, Reading
Reading
A shopping arcade dating from 1929-1931 built for John Harris and incorporating an earlier street frontage of a motor showroom which dates from before 1922.
82 Star Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire
Caversham
Cottage, c.1600 with C18 and C19 alterations and extensions. Read the official list entry to find out more.
44 and 46 London Street
Reading
Terraced shops and flats, constructed in the mid-C18 and extended in the C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Allied Arms Inn, 57 St Mary’s Butts
Reading
Public house of probable C16 or C17 origin, re-fronted and extended in the C19/C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Group of four churchyard tombs north of the Church of St …
Reading
Four burial tombs, erected between the 1730s and 1830s. Read the official list entry to find out more.
21 Castle Street
Reading
An early-C19 house, converted to a shop during the mid-C19 with the shopfronts removed and the façade restored in the late C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
171-177 Oxford Road
Reading
A terrace of four houses, built during the 1820s, converted to various uses during the C20 including shops and offices, now flats. Read the official list entry to find out more.
3 and 5 Castle Street
Reading
Pair of early C19 houses, converted to a shop on the ground floor during the mid- to late C19 and combined as offices then apartments in the later C20 and early C21.
10 and 12 Castle Street
Reading
Pair of early C19 houses, converted to shops in the late C19 and extended to the rear in the C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The former Mitre Inn
Reading
Former public house. Dating from the mid-C19 on this site. Converted to a Thai restaurant around 2007. Read the official list entry to find out more.
9 Gun Street
Reading
A late-C18 house, converted to commercial use at ground-floor level by the 1830s and extended to the rear by 1879. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Reading through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Reading changes over time.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Reading
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Reading
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading Gas Works and Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, Reading, 1920
Reading
The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, 1932
Reading
Reading School, Reading, 1921
Reading
Reading School and environs, Reading, 1951
Reading
H.G. Simonds Seven Bridges Brewery and the town centre, Reading, 1931
Reading
The Seven Bridges Brewery alongside the River Kennet and the town, Reading, 1932
Reading
Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory and Reading Prison, Reading, 1920
Reading
The River Kennet, Reading Prison and Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, Reading, 1931
Reading
Kennet and Avon Canal and Reading Gas Works, Reading, 1920
Reading
The Reading Gas Co Works alongside the River Kennet and housing at New Town, Reading, 1932
Reading in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Reading's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Reading
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south showing the front elevation of the Sun Inn, with people and a horse and cart outside
Eric de Mare
Reading
Date created: 1949
A view of High Bridge, Reading, which was designed in 1788 by Robert Brettingham
John Laing Collection
Worton Grange, Reading
Date created: 02 Jun 1977
A tug-o-war contest between Laing workers and subcontractors, part of the gala to celebrate the Queen's silver jubilee held at the new Courage Brewery...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Southcote, Reading, Reading
Date created: 1896 - 1920
Southcot House (Southcote House) viewed from the north west showing the footbridge leading across the moat
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Prospect Park, Reading, Reading
Date created: 1908 - 1913
GENERAL VIEW WITH PART OF THE HOUSE VISIBLE AT EDGE OF IMAGE
Charles George Harper Collection
Reading
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south-west of St Mary's Church, with the Queen Victoria Jubilee Fountain in the foreground
Eric de Mare
Caversham, Reading, Reading
Date created: 1945 - 1980
A view across the Thames towards 'Isomer', the house built above an integrated boathouse at the river's edge
John Laing Collection
Worton Grange, Reading
Date created: 08 Mar 1978
A large Sparrows crane lifting one of the 20 tonne fermenting vessels into position at the new Courage Brewery site
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Palmer Park, Reading, Reading
Date created: 1903 - 1908
GENERAL VIEW OF ENTRANCE GATES
Charles George Harper Collection
Reading
Date created: 1892 - 1933
The Oracle Gate at Reading Workhouse
John Laing Collection
Worton Grange, Reading
Date created: 16 Jul 1976
Oliver Steele, Chairman of the Courage Group, being presented with a hard hat during the turf cutting ceremony for the new Courage Brewery
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Reading
Date created: 1901 - 1906
GENERAL VIEW FROM FORBURY GARDENS
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Reading.
A History of Reading in 6 Places
Mentions Reading Abbey Ruins, The Forbury Garden, Abbey Gate
Reading is the largest town in the UK. Discover the history of the town through its sites such as the Abbey Ruins, Reading Goal and Market Place.
12 Places Connected to Queen Elizabeth I
Mentions Reading Abbey Ruins, Abbey Gate, Church of St Laurence
Discover the locations where Queen Elizabeth I lived and visited, including Hampton Court Palace, Hatfield House and Kenilworth Castle.
Mentions Reading
A Reading of London Street | By Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley | Reading
Mentions Reading
In this first podcast we explore some of the innovative ways that women campaigned to end the slave trade during the late 18th century.
Home Truths (1780 - 1815)
In this first podcast we explore some of the innovative ways that women campaigned to end the slave trade during the late 18th century. This series was researched and produced by Nicola Raimes. Credits: Actors (in order of appearance): Newspaper Editor - Rob Raimes Anne Yearsley - Sarah Newey Thomas Clarkson - Trevor Garrood William Wilberforce - Trevor Garrood Elizabeth Heyrick - Karoline Newman Mary Prince - Veronique Okafor Sarah Parker Remond - Veronique Okafor Music: Remy Reve Encore Reproduced with the permission of the composer and performer, Circus Marc. Post production: Teitur Arnason at Voiceover Soho. Further reading: Women Against Slavery: The British Campaigns 1780-1870, by Clare Midgley
Mentions Reading
In this second podcast of the series, we look at the period from the 1820s when women became much more self-determined in their anti-slavery...
Radicalism And Resistance (1823 - 1838)
In this second podcast of the series, we look at the period from the 1820s when women became much more self-determined in their anti-slavery activities. They formed their own associations and even presented a women’s petition to Parliament. They made public their opposition to slavery by wearing badges and bags with anti-slavery emblems, just as we might do today. But these abolitionist activities were not confined to Britain; and so we also consider the ways in which acts of resistance by enslaved black women helped to bring about the end of slavery. Researched and produced by Nicola Raimes. This series was researched and produced by Nicola Raimes. Credits: Actors (in order of appearance): Newspaper Editor - Rob Raimes Anne Yearsley - Sarah Newey Thomas Clarkson - Trevor Garrood William Wilberforce - Trevor Garrood Elizabeth Heyrick - Karoline Newman Mary Prince - Veronique Okafor Sarah Parker Remond - Veronique Okafor Music: Remy Reve Encore Reproduced with the permission of the composer and performer, Circus Marc. Post production: Teitur Arnason at Voiceover Soho. Further reading: Women Against Slavery: The British Campaigns 1780-1870, by Clare Midgley
Mentions Reading
After the Emancipation Act was passed the ladies’ anti-slavery societies continued their work and called for an end to the apprenticeship system that...
Transatlantic Ties (1838 - 1868)
After the Emancipation Act was passed the ladies’ anti-slavery societies continued their work and called for an end to the apprenticeship system that had replaced slavery. They then worked with abolitionists across the Atlantic in the campaign to end slavery in America. This third and final podcast in the series will explore these transatlantic ties between British and American abolitionists. We conclude the series by looking into ways in which we might remember women’s contribution to anti-slavery campaigns. Researched and produced by Nicola Raimes. This series was researched and produced by Nicola Raimes. Credits: Actors (in order of appearance): Newspaper Editor - Rob Raimes Anne Yearsley - Sarah Newey Thomas Clarkson - Trevor Garrood William Wilberforce - Trevor Garrood Elizabeth Heyrick - Karoline Newman Mary Prince - Veronique Okafor Sarah Parker Remond - Veronique Okafor Music: Remy Reve Encore Reproduced with the permission of the composer and performer, Circus Marc. Post production: Teitur Arnason at Voiceover Soho. Further reading: Women Against Slavery: The British Campaigns 1780-1870, by Clare Midgley
Mentions Reading
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’.
Reading Anne Lister's Diaries with Sarah Waters
Anne Lister, who lived between 1791 and 1840, is sometimes described as ‘the first modern lesbian’. Recorded in 2016, author Sarah Waters looks at the diary that reveals Lister's many sexual encounters.
Mentions Reading
Where Light Falls, a spectacular Historic England installation of light, history and poetry, took place at St Paul's Cathedral, London on 24-27...
Where Light Falls at St Paul's Cathedral
Where Light Falls, a spectacular Historic England installation of light, history and poetry, took place at St Paul's Cathedral, London on 24-27 October 2019. Enjoy this full run through of the show. The soundtrack includes music and reading of 'From the Log Book', written by poet Keith Jarrett.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020
Mentions Reading
Historic England’s major national research project on the heritage of suburbs reaches its conclusion.
17 Remarkable Historic Places Listed in 2024
Mentions Reading
Celebrating 17 historic gems that were examined, protected and added to the National Heritage List for England in 2024.
Gods and Goddesses, Heroes and Heroines in the Nene Valley
Mentions Reading
The discovery of an important group of Roman sculpture fragments in the Nene Valley.
Coinage and Ritual Deposition at Stanwick, Northamptonshire.
Mentions Reading
Analysis of one of the largest rural coin assemblages from Roman Britain at Stanwick, Northamptonshire sheds light on Roman ritual and economy.
The Roman Landscape Characterisation and Prediction Project
Mentions Reading
Harnessing the potential of existing knowledge to develop predictive models of Roman settlement.
The Commercial Buildings of Redruth, Cornwall
Mentions Reading
Research into the historic commercial buildings of Redruth to inform the work of the High Street Heritage Action Zone in the town..
The Lost Roman Road From Chichester To Arundel
Mentions Reading
Analysis of lidar and aerial photography leads to the rediscovery of a long-speculated route of a Roman Road.
Simulation Models and Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings
Mentions Reading
Article exploring the usefulness of building simulation models for understanding the energy-efficiency performance of historic buildings.
Historic Character and Good Design
Mentions Reading
Article exploring how historic character is a positive force in building distinctive, better designed, places.
High Streets Heritage Action Zone Programme Success Celebrated
Mentions Reading
Historic England’s 4-year High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme has unlocked the potential of 67 historic high streets across England.
Why the Old Stone Age Still Matters
Mentions Reading
Exploring the importance of evidence for early human activity in Britain
Introducing Organic Residue Analysis and Archaeology: Guidance for Good Practice
Mentions Reading
Describing the thinking behind Historic England's 2017 guide to organic residue analysis and what this technique can bring to archaeology.
Reading's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
William Ridley And Sons, Showroom, Abbey Wharf, Reading, Berkshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Interior of the show room with fireplaces and ceramic goods on display
William Ridley And Sons, Showroom, Abbey Wharf, Reading, Berkshire
William Ridley And Sons, Offices, Abbey Wharf, Reading, Berkshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Exterior view of the offices at the workshop yard of W Ridley and Sons, Reading
William Ridley And Sons, Offices, Abbey Wharf, Reading, Berkshire
Walter Parsons Corn Stores ,10, Forbury road, Reading
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The warehouse was built in 1890 for Walter Parsons, corn merchants. There is an entrance for carriages and carts through the left side.
Walter Parsons Corn Stores ,10, Forbury road, Reading
WI Palmer Memorial Hall, West Street, Reading
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The W I Palmer Memorial Hall is dated 1887and built of brick and terracotta.
WI Palmer Memorial Hall, West Street, Reading
University of Reading War Memorial, London Road, Reading
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
The War Memorial clock tower was put up in 1922. The numbers 1914 and 1918 are in gold under the clock face.
University of Reading War Memorial, London Road, Reading
Trades Union Club, Reading, Berkshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Trades Union Club is a mid 19th-century building.
Trades Union Club, Reading, Berkshire
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire
Period: 1990s (1990 - 1999)
The multi-storey car park at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading lit up at night.
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire
The Mount, 8-22 Christchurch Road, Reading
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
A 2 storey terrace built in 1876 for the office workers at Huntley and Palmer's Biscuit Factory.
The Mount, 8-22 Christchurch Road, Reading
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find historic places in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Reading Abbey Ruins, St James' Church
The ruins consist of the south transept, the treasury, the chapter house, the dormitory, and the refectory.
Discover more
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