These are a few photos I took while walking around Reading one day from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, some you may have seen before others not.
Never knew about this place it's the Museum of English Rural Life
The River Kennet, over to the right used to be Huntley & Palmer Biscuit factory, the island used to have a flower stor on it.
Did not know the significance of this to start with but is is at the start of Chestnut Walk
and this is Chestnut Walk, the wall on the right is part of the old Reading Prison
You might have noticed the wall in the previous picture but did you know Oscar Wilde was held here and where the Ballad of Reading Gaol came from. His cell number was C.3.3 so the outline in the third photo sis Oscar Wilde
Further along the walk you pass the remains of the Abbey which Henry VIII had demolished. I used to go round them as a child (went to school next door)
though now unfortunately due to the safety of it is inaccessible. Saying that a Heritage grant has now been forthcoming and hopefully work will be done to rectify the ruins
further along you pass this sculpture in the Abbey Gardens
By Jens Flemming Sorensen this is called Ball Heads
You can see the Abbey ruins behind though personally I'm not sure it is the right setting for the sculpture.
Last place for now is this ruin which is part of the Abby mill on Holy Brook, east to find as the Blade is on the right of me
Taking Part in Our World Tuesday
8 comments:
Interesting views of Reading. I had forgotten that Oscar Wilde served time in the Reading prison.
Very scenic and historical photo tour ~ Excellent! Great shots!
Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
ps. Lived in Reading MA USA for 22 years ~ doesn't have the history you shared though!
Great shots of history!
The sculpture in front of the abbey is delightfully funny. Oscar Wilde would've probably liked that it's there.
Loved your photos of the walk! Felt like I was right there with you. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! :)
I really enjoyed this walk around Reading. You uncovered a lot of history along the way and an interesting sculpture to boot!
Good to see the Holy Brook and part of the Abbey mill! I want to visit The Museum of English Rural Life when next in Reading.
A lovely area... the museum would draw me inside.
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