Reading history

Reading, located in the county of Berkshire, is one of England's historically significant towns. Its history spans over a thousand years, ranging from the early Middle Ages to its transformation into a major modern hub.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first mentions of a settlement known as Readingum date back to the 8th century. The name most likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon tribe Readingas, meaning "people of the leader named Reada". In 871, the town is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in connection with events of the Viking era.

Key Factors of Establishment

The growth and development of Reading were driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: The town was founded in a strategically advantageous location — at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, which facilitated the development of transport routes and trade.
• Religious and Political Influence: A pivotal moment in the town's history was the founding of Reading Abbey by King Henry I in 1121. The Abbey became one of the largest and wealthiest in Europe, turning Reading into an important centre for pilgrimage and political life.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Reading flourished as a centre for the wool and cloth trade. Thanks to its status as a major monastic centre and market town, by the 16th century, it was among the ten largest towns in England. The powerful Abbey not only attracted visitors but also contributed to economic growth, owning vast lands and serving as a major employer.

Key Dates in Reading's History

Reading's history is rich with events that have shaped its appearance — from an important medieval abbey to an industrial centre and a modern technology hub. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• 8th Century — First mentions of the Saxon settlement Readingum, meaning "the place of Reada's people".
• 871 — The town is first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in connection with a battle between Saxons and Danish Vikings.
• 1121 — King Henry I founds Reading Abbey, which subsequently becomes one of the largest and most influential monasteries in Europe.
• 1238 — The Greyfriars Franciscan friary is founded; its church has survived to this day.
• 1539 — During the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII, Reading Abbey is dissolved and looted, and the last abbot is executed.
• 1643 — During the English Civil War, the town undergoes a prolonged siege by Parliamentarian forces, causing serious damage to its economy.
• 1822 — Joseph Huntley opens a small bakery, which eventually evolves into the world-famous biscuit factory Huntley & Palmers.
• 1841 — George Palmer joins the business, sparking the rapid growth of Huntley & Palmers, making Reading the "Biscuit Capital".
• 1844 — The opening of the Great Western Railway connects Reading to London and Bristol, accelerating its industrial development.
• 1892 — The University College at Reading is founded, which receives a Royal Charter in 1926 to become a full university.
• 1895–1897 — Oscar Wilde serves time in Reading Gaol (prison), which later inspires him to write the famous "The Ballad of Reading Gaol".
• 1976 — The famous Huntley & Palmers factory closes, marking the end of an era in the town's industrial history.
• 1971 — The town hosts its first music festival, known today as one of the largest in the world — the Reading Festival.

Stages of Development: From Abbey to Tech Hub

The story of Reading is a journey from a medieval pilgrimage centre to an industrial giant and a modern technological leader. Key transformations have shaped the economic and cultural character of the town.

• Foundation of Reading Abbey (1121): Established by King Henry I, the Abbey transformed Reading into one of Europe's most important religious and political centres. This attracted pilgrims and traders to the town, laying the foundation for its early prosperity.
• Dissolution of the Monasteries (1539): The destruction of the Abbey by order of Henry VIII was a severe economic blow. The town lost its main source of income and influence, forcing it to seek new paths for development by reorienting towards trade and crafts.
• The Industrial Revolution and the "Three Bs": In the 19th century, Reading became known as the town of the "Three Bs" (Biscuits, Beer, and Bulbs). The world-famous biscuit factory Huntley & Palmers, Simonds' Brewery, and the seed company Suttons Seeds made the town one of the UK's industrial leaders.
• Construction of the Railway (1844): The arrival of the Great Western Railway, connecting Reading with London and Bristol, became a catalyst for industrial growth. Improved logistics facilitated factory expansion and attracted a workforce.
• Establishment of the University (1892): The founding of the university college, which became the full University of Reading in 1926, marked a turn towards a knowledge economy. The university remains a major centre for scientific research today, particularly in climatology, agriculture, and cybernetics.
• Decline of Traditional Industry (1970s): The closure of the Huntley & Palmers factory in 1976 symbolised the end of the industrial era for Reading. The town faced the need for another economic transformation.
• Transformation into a Technology Centre (Late 20th - Early 21st Century): Thanks to its proximity to London and Heathrow Airport, as well as the availability of skilled personnel, Reading successfully repurposed itself as a centre for information technology and finance. Today, it hosts the headquarters and offices of many international IT companies, earning the region the nickname of the UK's "Silicon Valley".

Reading's architectural landscape offers a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its transformation from a powerful medieval centre to an industrial town and, finally, a modern tech hub. The town's built environment harmoniously blends ancient abbey ruins, elegant Georgian façades, monumental Victorian buildings, and ultra-modern glass offices.

Medieval Heritage: The Abbey and Churches

In the Middle Ages, the architectural and spiritual dominant of the town was Reading Abbey, founded in 1121. Although today only picturesque ruins remain of one of Europe's largest monasteries, their scale gives an idea of its former grandeur. This complex, built in Romanesque and early Gothic styles, defined the layout of the entire medieval town. Other witnesses of that era have survived to this day: Greyfriars Church, originally belonging to a Franciscan friary, and St Laurence's Church, located near the former abbey gates.

Victorian Flourishing and Georgian Elegance

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century radically changed the face of Reading. This period gave the town its most recognisable architectural symbols. Central among them is the Town Hall, a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic with a characteristic clock tower designed by the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse. Typical of Reading's architecture at that time was the use of decorative brickwork with patterns of red, grey, and cream brick, giving the buildings a special charm. Other iconic structures of the era include the monumental Reading Gaol and numerous rows of terraced houses built for factory workers. Alongside Victorian developments, the town has preserved examples of earlier Georgian architecture, distinguished by its rigour and elegant lines.

Modern Look: From Modernism to Tech Hub

In the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, Reading underwent another transformation, becoming the "Silicon Valley" of the UK. This is reflected in the emergence of modern architecture. A key project of the late 20th century was the construction of the large shopping and leisure complex, The Oracle, on the banks of the River Kennet. This modern structure of glass and metal not only became a new attraction but also breathed life into the riverside area, organically connecting it with the historic centre. Today's Reading is a town where historic brick façades sit alongside futuristic office buildings, creating a unique and dynamic urban landscape.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Reading

Reading, a town with a rich history, has been the birthplace or an important place in the lives of many famous figures. From monarchs and writers to stars of world cinema and music — their destinies are closely intertwined with this town in Berkshire.

Historical Figures and Writers

• Henry I Beauclerc (1068–1135) — King of England who founded Reading Abbey in 1121, one of the largest in Europe. He was buried within its grounds, forever linking his name with the town and defining its significance in the Middle Ages.
• Jane Austen (1775–1817) — One of the greatest English novelists. In her youth, she and her sister Cassandra attended the Reading Abbey Girls' School, which was located in a building by the gates of the former abbey. This period influenced her education and worldview.
• Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) — The famous Irish writer and poet. His connection to Reading is tragic: from 1895 to 1897, he served a sentence in Reading Gaol. This experience formed the basis of his famous poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol".

Stars of Stage and Screen

• Kate Winslet (born 1975) — World-renowned actress and Oscar winner. She was born and raised in Reading, starting her path to fame at local drama schools. Her roles in the films "Titanic" and "The Reader" brought her global fame.
• Ricky Gervais (born 1961) — Popular British comedian, actor, writer, and director. He was born and spent his childhood in Reading. Gervais is the creator of the cult series "The Office" and a multiple winner of Golden Globe and BAFTA awards.
• Sir Kenneth Branagh (born 1960) — Distinguished actor and director, known for his film adaptations of Shakespeare's works. Although born in Belfast, his family moved to Reading when he was nine years old. He attended local schools and took his first steps on stage at the Progress Theatre.
• Natalie Dormer (born 1982) — Actress who gained fame for her roles in the series "The Tudors" and "Game of Thrones". She was born and raised in Reading.

Musicians

• Mike Oldfield (born 1953) — Multi-instrumentalist and composer, author of the famous album Tubular Bells. He was born in Reading on May 15, 1953, and spent his early years here. His music, which became the soundtrack for the film "The Exorcist", received worldwide acclaim.