Reading Abbey

Reading Abbey is the medieval ruin of a Benedictine abbey in central Reading, England, founded in 1121 by King Henry I. It was an important royal foundation and a major religious institution in medieval England before its dissolution.

Remnants include the ruined nave and choir masonry, the surviving Abbey Gateway and stretches of precinct wall, with much of the former monastic site forming the present Forbury Gardens. The gateway survives as an imposing stone structure and is integrated into the town’s historic core.

The abbey was established as a royal monastery in 1121 and served religious, economic and political functions during the Middle Ages; it declined after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in the 1530s and was largely dismantled. Archaeological investigations and conservation have stabilised the principal ruins and interpreted the site for visitors.

The ruins sit in central Reading, Berkshire, within walking distance of the town centre and railway station, and lie about 65 kilometres west of central London.

• Founding date and founder: Founded in 1121, the abbey was a royal foundation of King Henry I and became one of the wealthiest religious houses in medieval England.
• Best viewpoints: After the Dissolution in the 16th century much of the abbey was dismantled; the surviving gateway and ruins are best seen from Forbury Gardens in the town centre.

What to See #

• Abbey ruins: The main ruined nave and eastern choir area of the abbey show surviving 12th and 13th century masonry along with later alterations.
• Abbey Gateway: A surviving late medieval gatehouse known as the Abbey Gateway served originally as the entrance to the precinct and now forms part of Reading's cultural quarter.
• Forbury Gardens: Forbury Gardens occupies the former outer precinct and provides a public parkspace with views across the abbey ruins and the town centre.