The Abbey

Founded in 1121, Reading Abbey is tucked away behind the towns library and some shops, hidden from view. In 1538 it was mostly destroyed during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. It survived on and off as a town hall until that too fell into ruin. Up until 2009 you were able to walk around the ruins and open air theatre was held inside, but due to further weakening of the remains its been fenced off during a restoration process. This is going to cost well over £1M and so its been put on hold until at least 2013. Its a massive shame that we can build a huge building like The Blade but can't find the funds to retain one of Readings most important sites.