Time travel Reading Abbey reaches 900-year milestone

One of England’s medieval gems, Reading Abbey was founded in 1121 by King Henry I, the youngest son of

William the Conqueror – and his tomb is believed to be among the ruins.

In its heyday, it was one of the largest monastic sites in Europe only to be closed in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

An original Abbey gateway survived and was turned into a girls’ boarding school – with one of its pupils in 1785 being 10-year old Jane Austen.

Nowadays, Reading Museum uses it as a Victorian schoolroom experience.

The neighbouring prison is best known for its most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde in the late 19th century.

He later published the famous Ballad of Reading Gaol – a poem ‘inspired’ by the years he spent inside.

Wilde fans can walk the perimeter of the former Gaol site, and alongside the River Kennet where the Wilde Gates mark his connections with Reading.

The new Banksy artwork on the walls of Reading Prison may also be a homage to the Berkshire town’s connections with the Victorian writer.

The 900th anniversary of the abbey will be marked by a day of celebrations on June 19.

Attractions will include a medieval village, Civil War camp, four music stages including a floating stage on the River Kennet, live theatre, workshops, a photo exhibition, children’s shows and boat trips. The celebrations will also link with Reading’s annual WaterFest.

readingabbeyquarter.org.uk