Abbey Street, Reading, RG1 3BA
Historical interest
The remains of the magnificent Reading Abbey are at the heart of Reading’s Abbey Quarter, once one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries. The Abbey Ruins are a national important Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, located between the Forbury Gardens and the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Holy Brook, which provided freshwater and power for the Abbey Mill, joins the canal at this point. Much of the waterside here is accessible. The history of the site is presented in the Story of Reading Gallery at nearby Reading Museum.
The Ruins were fully conserved and interpreted in 2017-18 thanks to a £3.15m project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund matched by a contribution from the Council. They reopen to the public on 16 June 2018. The Ruins host a wide variety of events including theatre, festivals and film, and are available for hire.
You can find out more at: www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk.