This gateway divided the monks' private living quarters from the more public areas of the abbey. In the 1560s, Queen Elizabeth I turned the abbot's house, which stood just through the gateway, into a royal palace.
After Elizabeth's death, the . . . — — Map (db m241888) HM
You're standing in what used to be the practical, service end of Reading Abbey. In the yard surrounding you was a dormitory where abbey servants or guests slept, the refectory (dining hall) where monks ate their meals, and the abbey kitchen. The . . . — — Map (db m241890) HM
You are now entering Forbury Gardens. In medieval times this was a rough patch of open ground, where horses grazed and pilgrims waited for services at the abbey church. At this time it was known as 'the Forbury'.
The Forbury became a town park . . . — — Map (db m242648) HM
In 1643, during the Civil War, this hill was part of a ring of defences hastily dug out by an army defending Reading from attack. The walls of the abbey were also used as part of the defences.
The attacking army (Parliamentarians) wanted . . . — — Map (db m243511) HM
Who lost his life in a whirlwind at the Great Western Railway Station Reading on the 24th March 1840 Aged 24 Years
Sudden the change, in a moment fell and had not time to bid my friends farewell, Yet hushed be all complaint, 'tis sweet, 'tis . . . — — Map (db m218890) HM
To the Memory of Laurenthes Braag a Danish Merchant
born in the land of St Croix in the West Indies 21 July 1783 and died as a Prisoner of War on Parole in Reading the 3 of Sept. 1808 in the 26th Year of his Age.
He lived esteemed and beloved by . . . — — Map (db m230484) HM WM
The Glorious Dead
1914 - 1918
1939 - 1945
To the honoured memory of the men of Reading and Berkshire who gave their lives for King and Country during the Great Wars — — Map (db m216275) WM
Phoebe Cusden MBE (1887 - 1981) lived here from 1927 to 1980 As Mayor of Reading she co-founded the Reading-Dusseldorf Association in 1947
Educationalist - Peace campaigner - Socialist - Feminist - Borough Councillor — — Map (db m216055) HM
In the early years of Quakerism there were many inspirational ministers, including most notably George Fox (1624-1691).
Quakers first arrived in Reading in 1654. They met at the home of Thomas Curtis who ran a woolen draper's shop at a site . . . — — Map (db m230051) HM
Erected and lighted for ever, at the expence of Edward Simeon Esqr. as a mark of affection to his native town.
A.D. 1804.
Lancelot Austwick Esqr. Mayor. — — Map (db m230046) HM
AD 1914 - 1919
In Memory of those who have given their lives for their King and Country
Grant them O Lord eternal rest and let light perpetual shine upon them — — Map (db m230043) WM
The building opposite was once Reading Abbey's Hospitium (guesthouse). Pilgrims and other visitors to Reading could stay here for two nights, for free, so long as they went to services at the abbey church.
The dormitories were in the building . . . — — Map (db m230554) HM
