subject: Reading - Battles, Markets And History [print this page] At the meeting place of the Thames River and the Kennet River is the large town of Reading. This town has been important throughout history particularly during Medieval times. The first settlement in the 8th century was called Readingum which is the Old English version of Reading. There are several battles of reading and the town has been ransacked many times. The first record of the town was in 871.
After the Reading Abbey was built many people visited on a pilgrimage. The Abbey and church was the main governing body for a long time. It took many years for the population to revolt and eventually he last abbot was convicted of high treason and killed and the Abbey was burned to the ground. As with many large towns in England the population greatly decreased with the Black Death.
There are several of the traditional timber houses still located in town that were very popular in the 1500s. Reading was critical to the English Civil War and Parliamentary forces gained power of the city after the Siege of Reading. There was also a second battle of Reading during the 1688 revolution.
Once the fighting had stopped the industries of brewing and iron works began to be prominent during the 18th century. Reading eventually became famous for its brewing. At this time reading was still used as a marketplace, particularly for Reading cheese. As manufacturing became prominent the town grew further during the 19th century.
A huge music festival occurs in Reading in August each year; the Reading festival. This festival is the oldest popular music festival in the world and includes bands that play alternative, metal, indie, rock and punk music.
A great historic house to visit is Basildon Park. This mansion was built in the end of the 1700s and it is known for its staircases and plasterwork. It also contains and Octagon room. The house has been restored and the gardens are currently being restored. The Vyne is a Tudor house of which King Henry the 8th visited several times. The house is full of ornaments, furniture and paintings.
Another lovely home situated along the banks of the Thyme River is Mapledurham House. Several films have used this house of a setting. Another home with extensive gardens and grounds you can visit is Nuffield Place.
