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Reading Abbey

📍 Berkshire, England

4 ★★★★ 1,200 reviews

About

Reading Abbey is a large, ruined abbey in the centre of the town of Reading, in the English county of Berkshire. It was founded by Henry I in 1121 "for the salvation of my soul, and the souls of King William, my father, and of King William, my brother, and Queen Maud, my wife, and all my ancestors and successors." In its heyday the abbey was one of Europe's largest royal monasteries. The traditions of the Abbey are continued today by the neighbouring St James's Church, which is partly built using stones of the Abbey ruins.

Founded in 1121 by Henry I, youngest son of William the Conqueror, who was later buried before the high altar. Became one of the richest and most important monasteries in medieval England. Parliament met here several times. Dissolved in 1539, the last abbot was hanged, drawn, and quartered. The ruins later housed a school attended by young Jane Austen. Reopened to the public in 2018 after restoration.