READING MUSEUM
Reading Museum is at the centre of the conservation of the Abbey. It was the Museum who led the successful application for Heritage Lottery funding which has allowed this magnificent project to take place. Now the Museum is organising talks, tours and a whole raft of exciting events to keep the people of Reading, of all ages and interests, informed about what is happening and the plans for the future.
Below is a piece contributed by the Museum with links to information sites
Reading Abbey Quarter
The Reading Abbey Quarter was created to bring together the unique, cultural heritage that exists within the former grounds of Reading Abbey, once one of Europe's largest royal monasteries.
Lying at the heart of Reading, the Abbey Quarter has witnessed almost nine-hundred years of history. The Quarter highlights buildings and monuments of great historical and architectural significance. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, the Town Hall, Reading Gaol, St. James' Church, the Forbury Gardens, and the remains of Reading Abbey. The Abbey Ruins and Gateway are both Grade I listed buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
The ‘Reading Abbey Revealed’ project is currently developing the Abbey Quarter through conservation, interpretation, signage, volunteering and public activities. The Abbey Ruins will re-open to the public in summer 2018 and they will be completely free to access.
Please visit their website for further information on the project, the history and their event programme: www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk
The remains of Reading Abbey are managed by Reading Museum. From February 2018 a new gallery focusing on the Abbey will open at the Museum.
Please visit their website for more information: www.readingmuseum.org.uk