Discover A Monolithic Tribute In Stone At The Reading Abbey Ruins
Located in the heart of Reading town, the Reading Abbey Ruins is a monumental historic and religious institution of no small significance
. Dated as far back as 1211, the abbey was constructed under the patronage of King Henry the First. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, the abbey failed to reach completion during the lifetime of its founder who was buried in front of the yet unfinished churchs alter in 1135.
Considered one of medieval Britains most popular pilgrimage points, the royally commissioned abbey was a wealthy and prominent religious entity with possessions in Scotland and Herefordshire. Having housed nearly 230 relics in its heydays the hand of St. James was also found within the ruins in 1786 before it was later moved to St Peter's RC Church in Marlow. The earliest recorded four part harmony originated in England was also penned at the abbey where other royals including York, William and Empress Matilda are also buried.
Although the abbey was all but destroyed due to King Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, some focal points of this once grand abbey are preserved today. These include the inner cores of the structures main walls and central tower piers with several transepts. Ruins of the monks dormitory basement, vestry, infirmary passage and chapter house are also visible in addition to the site of the cloister which forms a private garden cum park open for public use. The Chapter House features three entrances and three magnificent windows while the Abbey Gateway is located next to Forbury Gardens and Reading's crown court. It is believed that this quarter housed the 'Abbey School' in the18th century and was attended by the likes of famed author Jane Austen.
The hospitium or pilgrim dormitory of Reading Abbey is also well preserved although it now serves as a children's nursery and office complex. Ruins of the Abbey Mill are also located along the Holy Brook to the south of the property while a plaque indicating the burial place of its founder King Henry the First is another noteworthy attraction.
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