Point of interest
Abbey Ruins
20 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
Leon
October 7, 2022
On the other side of town center, or a 20 mins walk, Abbey Ruins is quintessential Reading. Explore 900 years of history in the Abbey Quarter, the grounds and ruins of Reading's royal abbey and burial place of King Henry I.
Jane
November 11, 2019
On the southeast boundary of Forbury Gardens, mingling with more modern buildings are the ruins of Reading Abbey, which was founded by Henry I in 1121. Like all monasteries across Britain and Ireland, the abbey was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538, and it’s last abbot Hugh Cook Faringdon was hanged, drawn and quartered. Even though the complex has been disused for almost 500 years the ruins are Grade I listed, and you can enter the shell of the former chapter house. The hospitium, a dormitory for pilgrims is intact, and has become a children’s nursery, while the Gothic abbey gateway on Abbey Square once housed a school attended by Jane Austen and was restored by George Gilbert Scott in 1861.
On the southeast boundary of Forbury Gardens, mingling with more modern buildings are the ruins of Reading Abbey, which was founded by Henry I in 1121. Like all monasteries across Britain and Ireland, the abbey was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538, and it’s…
Barry
January 3, 2017
Historical Reading Abbey Stone Ruins, very pretty setting near the park
Rethink Living
September 21, 2016
The Abbey Quarter is located in the centre of Reading to the east of the main shopping district and train station. It is defined by the former precinct of Reading Abbey, which existed from its the Abbey Quarter. 15 minutes walk or 7 minutes drive from The Penthouse at Hewitt.
Catherine
October 26, 2015
If you like history and old ruins
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Location
Reading, England