Reading, Berkshire#Borough of Reading

The earliest known name for Reading is Readingas, from the 8th century. The name probably comes from the Readingas, an Anglo-Saxon tribe whose name means Reada's People in Old English (the Anglo-Saxons often had the same name for a place and its inhabitants).{{sfn|Cameron|1961|p=64}}

The demonym for a person from Reading is Redingensian, giving the name of the local rugby team Redingensians, based in Sonning, and of former members of Reading School.{{sfn|Wykes|1970|p=13}}{{cite web|title=History of Reading School|url=http://www.oldredingensians.org.uk/page/school_history|publisher=Old Redingensians Association|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=5 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505075009/http://www.oldredingensians.org.uk/page/school_history|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|History of Reading, Berkshire}}

{{For timeline}}

File:Map of Redding by John Speed, 1611.jpg]]

File:View of Reading from Caversham by Joseph Farington, 1793.jpg by Joseph Farington in 1793]]

Occupation at the site of Reading may date back to the Roman period, possibly in the form of a trading port for Calleva Atrebatum.{{sfn|Lawes Long|1836|p=11–13}} However, the first clear evidence for Reading as a settlement dates from the 8th century, when the town came to be known as Readingas. In late 870, an army of Danes invaded the kingdom of Wessex and set up camp at Reading. On 4 January 871, in the first Battle of Reading, King Ethelred and his brother Alfred the Great attempted unsuccessfully to breach the Danes' defences. The battle is described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and that account provides the earliest known written record of the existence of Reading. The Danes remained in Reading until late in 871, when they retreated to their winter quarters in London.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=14–15}}{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}}

After the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England, William the Conqueror gave land in and around Reading to his foundation of Battle Abbey. In its 1086 Domesday Book listing, the town was explicitly described as a borough. The presence of six mills is recorded: four on land belonging to the king and two on the land given to Battle Abbey.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}} Reading Abbey was founded in 1121 by Henry I, who is buried within the Abbey grounds. As part of his endowments, he gave the abbey his lands in Reading, along with land at Cholsey.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}}{{sfn|Slade|2001|p=1–16}}

The town grew around a crossing of the River Kennet, about {{convert|1|mile|km}} upstream from its confluence with the River Thames. In 1312, King Edward II directed that its bridges should be kept in good order.{{cite web |last1=Maxwell Lyte |first1=H.C. |title=Close Rolls, Edward II: November 1312 Pages 556-559 Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward II: Volume 1, 1307-1313. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1892. |url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-close-rolls/edw2/vol1/pp556-559 |website=British History Online |access-date=20 August 2020 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021112659/https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-close-rolls/edw2/vol1/pp556-559 |url-status=live }} It is not known how badly Reading was affected by the Black Death that swept through England in the 14th century, but it is known that the abbot, Henry of Appleford, was one of its victims in 1361, and that nearby Henley lost 60% of its population.{{sfn|Hylton|2007|p=34–38}} The Abbey was largely destroyed in 1538 during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. The last abbot, Hugh Faringdon, was subsequently tried and convicted of high treason and hanged, drawn and quartered in front of the Abbey Church.{{sfn|Slade|2001|p=17–25}}{{sfn|Fasham|Hawkes|1983}}

By 1525, Reading was the largest town in Berkshire and the tenth largest town in England when measured by taxable wealth reported in tax returns. By 1611, it had a population of over 5,000 and had grown rich on its trade in cloth, as instanced by the fortune made by local merchant John Kendrick.{{sfn|Hylton|2007|p=34–38}}{{sfn|Hylton|2007|p=51–52}} Reading played a role during the English Civil War. Despite its fortifications, it had a Royalist garrison imposed on it in 1642. The subsequent Siege of Reading by Parliamentary forces succeeded in April 1643.Barrès-Baker, Malcolm: The Siege of Reading: The Failure of the Earl of Essex's 1643 Spring Offensive. Ottawa, EbooksLib, 2004 {{ISBN|1-55449-999-2}} The town's cloth trade was especially badly damaged, and the town's economy did not fully recover until the 20th century.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}}{{cite web | last = Ford | first = David Nash | work = Royal Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/articles/reading_siege.html | title = The Siege of Reading | access-date = 27 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090307011752/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/articles/reading_siege.html | archive-date = 7 March 2009 | url-status = dead }} Reading played a significant role during the Glorious Revolution: the second Battle of Reading was the only substantial military action of the campaign.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}}{{cite web | last = Ford | first = David Nash | work = Royal Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/articles/reading_broadst.html | title = The Battle of Broad Street | access-date = 27 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080926092425/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/articles/reading_broadst.html | archive-date = 26 September 2008 | url-status = dead }}

The 18th century saw the beginning of a major iron works in the town and the growth of the brewing trade for which Reading was to become famous.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=84–89}} Reading's trade benefited from better designed turnpike roads which helped it establish its location on the major coaching routes from London to Oxford and the West Country. In 1723, despite considerable local opposition, the Kennet Navigation opened the River Kennet to boats as far as Newbury. Opposition stopped when it became apparent that the new route benefited the town. After the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal in 1810, one could go by barge from Reading to the Bristol Channel.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=75–80}} From 1714, and probably earlier, the role of county town of Berkshire was shared between Reading and Abingdon.{{cite news |title=Berkshire Quarter Sessions |newspaper=Jackson's Oxford Journal |date=4 July 1868}}{{sfn|Hunter|1995|p=103}} In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was one of the southern termini of the Hatfield and Reading Turnpike that allowed travellers from the north to continue their journey to the west without going through the congestion of London.

During the 19th century, the town grew rapidly as a manufacturing centre. The Great Western Railway arrived in 1841,{{cite web|title=Building the Great Western Railway|url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/transport/gwr1.html|work=Reading History Trail|access-date=14 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514074850/http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/transport/gwr1.html |archive-date=14 May 2011}} followed by the South Eastern Railway in 1849 and the London and South Western Railway in 1856.{{sfn|Kidner|1982|p=6}}{{sfn|Waters|1990|p=20}} After the Summer Assizes (courts of assize) were moved from Abingdon to Reading in 1867, the privy council made Reading the sole county town of Berkshire in 1869. The town became county borough under the Local Government Act 1888.{{cite web|title=Lords Hansard text for 16 Jul 1996 (160716-11)|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199596/ldhansrd/vo960716/text/60716-11.htm|publisher=UK Parliament|access-date=14 June 2011|date=16 July 1996|archive-date=19 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919014524/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld199596/ldhansrd/vo960716/text/60716-11.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=English Counties, The Real Counties|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2501029|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=14 June 2011|date=7 April 2004|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115004916/https://h2g2.com/entry/A2501029|url-status=live}} In the 19th and 20th centuries, the town's three largest industries were known as the Three Bs: beer (1785–2010, H & G Simonds),{{cite web|title=The Nineteenth Century|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/history-of-reading/the-nineteenth-century/|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=5 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429163226/http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/history-of-reading/the-nineteenth-century/|archive-date=29 April 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Dellor|first=Amanda|title=Reading's Courage Brewery closing|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8586000/8586089.stm|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=14 June 2011|date=24 March 2010|archive-date=18 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118021610/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8586000/8586089.stm|url-status=live}} bulbs (1837–1974, Suttons Seeds),{{cite web|title=The History of Suttons|url=http://www.suttons.co.uk/About+UsHistory.htm|publisher=Sutton Seeds|access-date=14 June 2011|archive-date=14 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614060528/http://www.suttons.co.uk/About+UsHistory.htm|url-status=dead}} and biscuits (1822–1976, Huntley and Palmers).{{cite web|title=Huntley & Palmers Collection|url=http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/huntley-palmers-collection/|work=Reading Museum|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=14 June 2011|date=7 January 2011|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604182940/http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/huntley-palmers-collection/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Huntley & Palmers Timeline|url=http://www.collectionsgateway.org.uk/collections/7/hp%20timeline.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007032502/http://www.collectionsgateway.org.uk/collections/7/hp%20timeline.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=live|work=Reading Museum|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=14 June 2011|year=2001}}

The town continued to expand in the 20th century, annexing Caversham across the River Thames in Oxfordshire in 1911, as well as most of Tilehurst to the west at the same time. Reading suffered much less physical damage than many other English towns and cities during the two world wars of the 20th century, although many citizens were killed or injured. In one significant air raid on 10 February 1943 a single Luftwaffe plane strafed and bombed the town centre, causing 41 deaths and over 100 injuries.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/GetAsset.aspx?id=fAAyADAANQB8AHwAVAByAHUAZQB8AHwAMAB8AA2 |title=Air Raid, February 1943 |work=Reading Museum |publisher=Reading Borough Council |access-date=13 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003062921/http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/GetAsset.aspx?id=fAAyADAANQB8AHwAVAByAHUAZQB8AHwAMAB8AA2 |archive-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}

The Lower Earley development, begun in 1977, was one of the largest private housing developments in Europe,{{cite web|title=Reading, Berkshire, UK|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A40614879|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=13 June 2011|date=5 September 2008|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115004913/https://h2g2.com/entry/A40614879|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Reading|url=http://www.garabys.com/letting-agent-areas/reading|publisher=Garabys Letting Agent|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-date=28 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528003933/http://www.garabys.com/letting-agent-areas/reading|url-status=live}} extending the urban area of Reading as far as the M4 Motorway. Further housing developments have increased the number of modern houses and hypermarkets in the outskirts of Reading. A major town-centre shopping centre, The Oracle, opened in 1999, is named after the 17th-century Oracle workhouse, which once occupied a small part of the site. It provides three storeys of shopping space and boosted the local economy by providing 4,000 jobs.{{cite web|title=The founding of the Oracle|url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/manufacture/oracle1.html|publisher=Reading History Trail|access-date=21 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514072714/http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/manufacture/oracle1.html|archive-date=14 May 2011}}{{cite web | title = John Kendrick (1573–1624) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jkendrick.html | work = Royal Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | access-date = 21 April 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110514065730/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jkendrick.html | archive-date = 14 May 2011 | url-status = dead }}

As one of the largest urban areas in the United Kingdom without city status, Reading has unsuccessfully bid for city status four times – in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium; in 2002 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II; in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee;{{cite web|title=Largest Towns without City Status|url=http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/CityStatus/CityStatusTable2.asp|work=LoveMyTown.co.uk|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=17 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717135616/http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/CityStatus/CityStatusTable2.asp|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/Populations/index.htm | title = Population overview | work = LoveMyTown.co.uk | access-date = 6 July 2006 | archive-date = 2 July 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060702073243/http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/Populations/index.htm | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=Towns that have recently applied for City Status|url=http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/CityStatus/CityStatusTable3.asp|work=LoveMyTown.co.uk|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=3 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903134040/http://www.lovemytown.co.uk/CityStatus/CityStatusTable3.asp|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Reading submits 2012 city status bid|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13571586|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=21 June 2011|date=27 May 2011|archive-date=30 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530081702/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13571586|url-status=live}} and in 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee.{{cite web |title=Reading Submits City Bid Today |url=https://media.reading.gov.uk/news/reading-submits-its-city-bid-today |website=Reading Borough Council News |date=7 December 2021 |access-date=7 December 2021 |archive-date=7 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207101206/https://media.reading.gov.uk/news/reading-submits-its-city-bid-today |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Platinum Jubilee: Eight towns to be made cities for Platinum Jubilee |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61505857 |access-date=20 May 2022 |work=BBC News |date=20 May 2022 |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519233708/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61505857 |url-status=live }}

Local government for the borough is provided by Reading Borough Council, which has been a unitary authority providing all local government functions since 1998. There are no civil parishes in the borough. Some of the built-up area's outer suburbs are outside the borough boundaries in West Berkshire and Wokingham. These outer suburbs belong to civil parishes, in some cases with their own town status.{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=8 November 2024}}

Reading has elected at least one Member of Parliament to every Parliament since 1295.{{cite news|title=Berkshire prepares for election|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/england/8606277.stm|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=12 June 2011|date=6 April 2010|first=Peter|last=Henley|archive-date=27 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327221450/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/england/8606277.stm|url-status=live}} Since the 2024 general election, the borough of Reading has been divided between the parliamentary constituencies of Reading Central, Reading West and Mid Berkshire (which also covers part of West Berkshire), and Earley and Woodley (which also covers part of the borough of Wokingham).

Reading is the site of venues for both the Crown Court,{{cite web|title=Reading Crown Court|url=http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=493|publisher=Ministry of Justice|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325223534/http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=493|url-status=live}} administering criminal justice, and the County Court,{{cite web|title=Reading County Court|url=http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=492|publisher=Ministry of Justice|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325223547/http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=492|url-status=live}} responsible for civil cases. Lesser matters are dealt with in a local magistrates' court.{{cite web|title=Reading Magistrates' Court|url=http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=494|publisher=Ministry of Justice|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325223550/http://hmctscourtfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/Search.do?court_id=494|url-status=live}}

File:Reading Abbey Gateway restored 2018-04-15 16.38.31.jpg]]

Reading was an ancient borough, being described as a borough by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. The borough was initially controlled by Reading Abbey as its manorial owner. The town gradually gained a degree of independence from the abbey from the 13th century onwards, particularly after the town's merchant guild was granted a royal charter in 1253. Following the dissolution of the abbey in 1538 the borough was granted a new charter in 1542.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}} The borough boundaries were then set out in a subsequent charter from Elizabeth I in 1560. The borough covered the whole of the parish of St Laurence and parts of the parishes of St Giles and St Mary. The part of St Giles' parish outside the borough was known as the hamlet of Whitley, and the part of St Mary's parish outside the borough was known as the tithing of Southcote.{{cite book |title=First Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Municipal Corporations in England and Wales: Part 1 |date=1835 |page=111 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7pNRAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA111 |access-date=8 November 2024}}

The borough was reformed in 1836 to become a municipal borough under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, which standardised how most boroughs operated across the country. The borough boundaries, which had not been changed since 1560, were enlarged in 1887 to take in Southcote, Whitley, the north-western parts of Earley, and the eastern end of the parish of Tilehurst.{{cite book |title=Reading Corporation Act 1887 |date=1887 |page=56 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UVUwAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PA56 |access-date=6 November 2024}}{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=135}} When elected county councils were established in 1889 under the Local Government Act 1888, Reading was considered large enough for its existing borough council to provide county-level services, and so Reading was made a county borough, independent from Berkshire County Council.{{cite web |title=Reading Municipal Borough / County Borough |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10153384 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=28 June 2023}}

The borough boundaries were enlarged again in 1911 to take in Caversham on the north bank of the Thames from Oxfordshire (except the Caversham Park area, which was transferred to the parish of Eye and Dunsden), and most of the parish of Tilehurst (including the main village at Tilehurst Triangle and the area around the parish church at Churchend) to the west.{{cite web |title=Local Government Board's Provisional Order Confirmation (No. 11) Act 1911 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo5/1-2/148/contents/enacted |website=legislation.gov.uk |publisher=The National Archives |access-date=7 November 2024}}

Local government was reformed in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, which saw Reading redesignated as a non-metropolitan district, with Berkshire County Council providing county-level services in the borough for the first time. Ahead of those reforms, the borough council campaigned to have Reading's boundaries enlarged to take in Earley, Woodley, Purley on Thames, the residual Tilehurst parish (covering the parts of Tilehurst which had not been transferred into the borough in 1911), and the eastern part of the parish of Theale.{{cite news |title=Boundaries: Reading plea |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search-newspapers |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=Reading Evening Post |date=6 June 1972 |page=4}} The government decided to make no change to Reading's boundaries, leaving them as they had been since last reviewed in 1911.{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972|year=1972|number=2039|accessdate=9 November 2024}} Shortly after the 1974 reforms came into effect, a more limited review of the borough's boundaries north of the Thames was carried out, which saw the Caversham Park area and part of the parish of Mapledurham on the western side of Caversham transferred into the borough of Reading in 1977.{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The Berkshire and Oxfordshire (Areas) Order 1977|year=1977|number=218|access-date=7 November 2024}}

The borough council became a unitary authority in 1998, when the county council was abolished under the Banham Review, which saw the borough council take over county-level functions, effectively restoring the council to the powers it had held when Reading was a county borough prior to 1974.{{cite web|title=The Berkshire (Structural Change) Order 1996|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1879/contents/made|publisher=legislation.gov.uk|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-date=29 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329005331/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1996/1879/contents/made|url-status=live}} As part of those reforms, the Local Government Commission had initially recommended expanding Reading's boundaries to include Earley, Tilehurst parish, Purley on Thames and the parts of the parishes of Shinfield, Burghfield and Theale north of the M4 motorway, but it was ultimately decided to leave Reading's boundaries unchanged.{{cite news |title=The Future Local Government of Berkshire |url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search-newspapers |access-date=9 November 2024 |work=Bracknell Times |date=11 August 1994 |page=11}}

Reading's boundaries south of the Thames therefore have not changed since 1911, despite the urban area having now expanded well beyond the borough boundaries. Cross-boundary working between the borough council and the neighbouring councils which cover the suburban and adjoining rural areas is sometimes criticised, particularly over matters such as transport and school catchment areas.{{cite web | publisher = South Oxfordshire District Council | url = http://www.southoxon.com/sites/default/files/Wokingham_BC_EM5.pdf | title = South Oxfordshire District Local Development Framework - Core Strategy Examination - Written Statement of Wokingham BC for the Exploratory Meeting on: Tuesday 17 May 2011 | access-date =14 June 2011 | date = 17 May 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120325170754/http://www.southoxon.com/sites/default/files/Wokingham_BC_EM5.pdf | archive-date = 25 March 2012 | url-status = dead}}{{cite web | title = Third Bridge | url = http://www.cadra.org.uk/Third_Bridge.asp | publisher = CADRA | access-date =4 October 2011 | date = August 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120425044412/http://www.cadra.org.uk/Third_Bridge.asp | archive-date = 25 April 2012 | url-status = dead}}{{cite web | publisher = Hansard | url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060111/halltext/60111h04.htm | title = Transport (Greater Reading) | access-date = 3 August 2006 | date = 11 January 2006 | archive-date = 14 September 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070914040040/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060111/halltext/60111h04.htm | url-status = dead }}

File:Hospitium of St John the Baptist.jpg]]

File:Reading Town Hall, UK - 20150707.jpg]]

Prior to the 16th century, civic administration for the town of Reading was situated in the Yield Hall, a guild hall situated by the River Kennet near today's Yield Hall Lane.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=42}} After a brief stay in what later became Greyfriars Church, the town council created a new town hall by inserting an upper floor into the refectory of the Hospitium of St John, the former hospitium of Reading Abbey.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=42}} For some 400 years up to the 1970s, this was to remain the site of Reading's civic administration through the successive rebuilds that eventually created today's Town Hall.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=88}} In 1976, Reading Borough Council moved to the new Civic Centre.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=168–9}} In 2014, they moved again to civic offices in a refurbished existing office building on Bridge Street, in order to facilitate the demolition and redevelopment of the previous site.{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-30481854 | title = Reading Borough Council moves to new building in Bridge Street | publisher = BBC | date = 15 December 2014 | access-date = 15 August 2016 | archive-date = 2 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160102082143/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-30481854 | url-status = live }}

File:Broad Street, Reading - geograph.org.uk - 2864164.jpg

Reading is {{convert|42|mi|km}} north of the English south coast. The centre of Reading is on a low ridge between the River Thames and River Kennet, close to their confluence, reflecting the town's history as a river port. Just above the confluence, the Kennet cuts through a narrow steep-sided gap in the hills forming the southern flank of the Thames flood plain. The Kennet, which naturally divided into multiple shallow streams through the centre of Reading, was embanked as part of the construction of the Kennet and Avon Canal in the 18th century, allowing the development of wharves. The floodplains adjoining Reading's two rivers are subject to occasional flooding.{{cite web|title=2007 Floods photos|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/EmergencyPlanning/Flooding/2007-floods/|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=5 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521211047/http://www.reading.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/EmergencyPlanning/Flooding/2007-floods/|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=July 2007 Flooding|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/adviceandemergencies/Emergency-Planning/July_2007_flooding_report_Cabinet.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927181208/http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/adviceandemergencies/Emergency-Planning/July_2007_flooding_report_Cabinet.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=live|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=13 June 2011|date=29 October 2007}}

{{Location map+|United Kingdom Reading|float=right|width=335|caption=Location of suburbs of Reading|places=

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.454167|long=-0.973056|label=Town centre|label_size=75|position=top|mark=Blue pog.svg|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.439770|long=-1.044614|label=Beansheaf Farm|label_size=75|position=top|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.441297|long=-1.049565|label=Calcot|label_size=75|position=left |mark=Arrows 12x12 e.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.467573|long=-0.974639|label=Caversham|label_size=75|position=top|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.476999|long=-0.988426|label=Caversham Heights|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.482933|long=-0.951262|label=Caversham Park Village|label_size=75|position=right|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.449423|long=-0.978607|label=Coley|label_size=75|position=below|mark=Arrows 12x12 w.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.442452|long=-0.992803|label=Coley Park|label_size=75|position=bottom |mark=Arrows 12x12 n.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.449246|long=-0.952978|label=East Reading|label_size=75|position=right|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.484857|long=-0.968513|label=Emmer Green|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.440473|long=-1.025119|label=Fords Farm|label_size=75|position=bottom|mark=Arrows 12x12 n.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.424444|long=-0.991389|label=Green Park|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.437102|long=-1.036834|label=Holybrook|label_size=75|position=bottom|mark=Arrows 12x12 n.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.448123|long=-1.025762|label=Horncastle|label_size=75|position=top |mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.444967|long=-0.969028|label=Katesgrove|label_size=75|position=bottom|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.429500|long=-0.974450|label={{nowrap|Kennet Island}}|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.465772|long=-1.053657|label=Little Heath|label_size=75|position=top|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.464916|long=-0.959587|label={{nowrap|Lower Caversham}}|label_size=75|position=right|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.424152|long=-0.921821|label=Lower Earley|label_size=75|position=bottom|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.437798|long=-0.913152|label=Maiden Erlegh|label_size=75|position=right|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.455504|long=-0.948686|label=Newtown|label_size=75|position=right|mark=Arrows 12x12 w.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.459782|long=-1.026942|label=Norcot|label_size=75|position=top|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.478496|long=-1.045932|label=Purley|label_size=75|position=right|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.408000|long=-0.947000|label=Shinfield|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6|outside = 1 }}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.441329|long=-1.005506|label=Southcote|label_size=75|position=top|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.456333|long=-1.046662|label=Tilehurst|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.453330|long=-0.994870|label=West Reading|label_size=75|position=top|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.428000|long=-0.961450|label=Whitley|label_size=75|position=bottom|marksize=6}}

{{Location map~|United Kingdom Reading|lat=51.416320|long=-0.961710|label=Whitley Wood|label_size=75|position=left|marksize=6}}

}}

As Reading has grown, its suburbs have spread: to the west between the two rivers into the foothills of the Berkshire Downs as far as Calcot, Tilehurst and Purley; to the south and south-east on the south side of the River Kennet as far as Whitley Wood and Lower Earley and as far north of the Thames into the Chiltern Hills as far as Caversham Heights, Emmer Green and Caversham Park Village. Outside the central area, the floors of the valleys containing the two rivers remain largely unimproved floodplain. Apart from the M4 curving to the south there is only one road across the Kennet flood plain. All other routes between the three built-up areas are in the central area.{{cite map | title = Map of Reading, Wokingham & Pangbourne | publisher = Ordnance Survey | isbn = 9780319237304 | date = 12 May 2011 | scale = 1:25000}}

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, Reading has a maritime climate, with limited seasonal temperature ranges and generally moderate rainfall throughout the year. The nearest official Met Office weather station is located at the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory on the Whiteknights Campus, which has recorded atmospheric measurements and meteorological observations since 1970.{{cite web|title=Reading University Atmospheric Observatory|url=http://www.met.reading.ac.uk/Data/fieldsite/docs/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914075939/http://www.met.reading.ac.uk/Data/fieldsite/docs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 September 2012|publisher=University of Reading|access-date=18 June 2011}} The local absolute maximum temperature of {{convert|37.6|C|F}} was recorded on 19 July 2022 and the local absolute minimum temperature of {{convert|-14.5|C|F}} was recorded in January 1982.

{{Weather box

|location = Reading University, elevation: {{convert|62|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1959–present

| collapsed =

| metric first = y

| single line = y

| Jan record high C = 15.5

| Feb record high C = 19.6

| Mar record high C = 22.8

| Apr record high C = 26.9

| May record high C = 28.5

| Jun record high C = 34.0

| Jul record high C = 37.6

| Aug record high C = 36.4

| Sep record high C = 29.6

| Oct record high C = 27.8

| Nov record high C = 18.1

| Dec record high C = 15.8

| Jan high C = 8.0

| Feb high C = 8.5

| Mar high C = 11.2

| Apr high C = 14.2

| May high C = 17.4

| Jun high C = 20.4

| Jul high C = 22.7

| Aug high C = 22.3

| Sep high C = 19.3

| Oct high C = 15.1

| Nov high C = 11.0

| Dec high C = 8.4

| year high C = 14.9

| Jan mean C = 5.1

| Feb mean C = 5.4

| Mar mean C = 7.4

| Apr mean C = 9.7

| May mean C = 12.7

| Jun mean C = 15.6

| Jul mean C = 17.8

| Aug mean C = 17.5

| Sep mean C = 14.8

| Oct mean C = 11.5

| Nov mean C = 7.8

| Dec mean C = 5.4

| year mean C = 10.9

| Jan low C = 2.1

| Feb low C = 2.2

| Mar low C = 3.5

| Apr low C = 5.1

| May low C = 8.0

| Jun low C = 10.8

| Jul low C = 12.9

| Aug low C = 12.7

| Sep low C = 10.4

| Oct low C = 7.9

| Nov low C = 4.7

| Dec low C = 2.5

| year low C = 6.9

| Jan record low C = -14.5

| Feb record low C = -11.6

| Mar record low C = -7.2

| Apr record low C = -3.5

| May record low C = -2.0

| Jun record low C = 1.5

| Jul record low C = 4.9

| Aug record low C = 3.4

| Sep record low C = 0.6

| Oct record low C = -4.4

| Nov record low C = -8.3

| Dec record low C = -13.4

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation mm = 65.2

| Feb precipitation mm = 45.6

| Mar precipitation mm = 40.3

| Apr precipitation mm = 48.7

| May precipitation mm = 43.5

| Jun precipitation mm = 47.2

| Jul precipitation mm = 48.9

| Aug precipitation mm = 56.9

| Sep precipitation mm = 49.7

| Oct precipitation mm = 73.8

| Nov precipitation mm = 73.1

| Dec precipitation mm = 65.4

| year precipitation mm = 658.2

| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 11.8

| Feb precipitation days = 9.7

| Mar precipitation days = 8.6

| Apr precipitation days = 9.3

| May precipitation days = 8.1

| Jun precipitation days = 7.7

| Jul precipitation days = 8.1

| Aug precipitation days = 8.5

| Sep precipitation days = 8.2

| Oct precipitation days = 10.6

| Nov precipitation days = 11.8

| Dec precipitation days = 11.5

| year precipitation days = 113.9

| Jan sun = 55.6

| Feb sun = 76.5

| Mar sun = 119.7

| Apr sun = 170.2

| May sun = 199.9

| Jun sun = 199.0

| Jul sun = 205.5

| Aug sun = 190.5

| Sep sun = 145.3

| Oct sun = 106.6

| Nov sun = 60.2

| Dec sun = 48.5

| year sun = 1577.5

| Jan uv = 2

| Feb uv = 2

| Mar uv = 3

| Apr uv = 3

| May uv = 4

| Jun uv = 4

| Jul uv = 5

| Aug uv = 4

| Sep uv = 4

| Oct uv = 3

| Nov uv = 2

| Dec uv = 2

| source 1 = Met Office{{cite web|url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcpkdssgk|title=Reading 1981–2010 averages|access-date=15 October 2021|publisher=Met Office|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174812/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcpkdssgk|url-status=live}} WeatherAtlas{{cite web|url=https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/united-kingdom/reading-climate#uv_index|title=Monthly weather forecast and Climate – Reading, United Kingdom|access-date=15 October 2021|publisher=Weather Atlas|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122184813/https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/united-kingdom/reading-climate#uv_index|url-status=live}}

| source 2 = Starlings Roost{{cite web|url=http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmax_map.php|title=Monthly Extreme Maximum Temperature|access-date=1 February 2023|publisher=Starlings Roost Weather|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201173843/http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmax_map.php|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmin_map.php|title=Monthly Extreme Minimum Temperature|access-date=1 February 2023|publisher=Starlings Roost Weather|archive-date=1 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201173844/http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmin_map.php|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{climate chart

| Reading

| 1.9 | 7.7 | 61.0

| 1.7 | 8.0 | 41.2

| 3.4 | 10.8 | 44.5

| 4.7 | 13.5 | 48.0

| 7.7 | 17.0 | 46.4

| 10.6 | 20.0 | 44.6

| 12.7 | 22.4 | 46.0

| 12.5 | 22.1 | 52.3

| 10.3 | 19.0 | 50.3

| 7.6 | 14.9 | 71.8

| 4.4 | 10.7 | 66.3

| 2.2 | 7.9 | 62.9

|float=right

}}

File:Reading population pyramid.svg

File:Borough of Reading population growth.svg

In mid-2018, the area covered by the Borough of Reading had {{English district population|GSS=E06000038}} inhabitants and a population density of {{convert|{{English district density|GSS=E06000038}}|/sqkm|/sqmi|0}}.{{English district population citation}} Meanwhile, the wider urban area had a population of 318,014 in the 2011 census, ranking 23rd in the United Kingdom.{{cite web| url=http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/747.aspx| title=2011 Census – Built-up areas| publisher=ONS| access-date=11 August 2013| archive-date=21 September 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921045319/http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/747.aspx| url-status=live}} This grew to an estimated 337,108 by mid-2018.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=27 November 2020|title=United Kingdom's largest town by population.|url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-city-status-royal-charter-19327991|access-date=1 February 2021|website=Get Reading|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128154810/https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-city-status-royal-charter-19327991|url-status=live}} According to the 2011 census, 74.8% of the borough's population were described as White (65.3% White British), 9.1% as South Asian, 6.7% as Black, 3.9% Mixed, 4.5% as Chinese and 0.9% as other ethnic group.{{cite web|url=http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/rft-table-ks201ew.xls|title=Resident Population Estimates by Ethnic Group (Percentages)|publisher=Office for National Statistics|access-date=12 October 2011|format=XLS|archive-date=16 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116113321/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-wales/rft-table-ks201ew.xls|url-status=live}} In 2010, it was reported that Reading had 150 different spoken languages within its population.{{cite news|last=Natalie|first=Slater|title=150 different languages spoken in Reading schools|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/education/s/2065355_150_different_languages_spoken_in_reading_schools|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=14 June 2011|date=8 February 2010|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125175127/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/education/s/2065355_150_different_languages_spoken_in_reading_schools|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Blake|first=Heidi|title=The town where schoolchildren speak 150 languages|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/7183679/The-town-where-schoolchildren-speak-150-languages.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/7183679/The-town-where-schoolchildren-speak-150-languages.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=14 June 2011|date=8 February 2010}}{{cbignore}} Reading has a large Polish community, which dates back over 30 years,{{cite news|title=Grant to repair Polish church|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2072745_grant_to_repair_polish_church|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=20 June 2011|date=15 June 2010|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125175740/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2072745_grant_to_repair_polish_church|url-status=live}} and in October 2006 the Reading Chronicle printed 5,000 copies of a Polish edition called the Kronika Reading.{{cite news|last=Cacciottolo|first=Mario|title=Reading paper gets Polish edition|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6045568.stm|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=20 June 2011|date=13 October 2006|archive-date=25 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025071916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6045568.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Brook|first=Stephen|title=Reading paper to offer Polish edition|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/09/pressandpublishing4|work=guardian.co.uk|publisher=Guardian Media Group|location=London|access-date=20 June 2011|date=9 November 2006|archive-date=26 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926040101/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/09/pressandpublishing4|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Polish editions of regional press in Great Britain: Kronika Reading, Gazeta z Highland, Polski Herald|url=http://www.krakowpost.com/article/106|work=Krakow Post|publisher=Lifeboat|location=London|access-date=20 June 2011|date=22 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002055834/http://www.krakowpost.com/article/106|archive-date=2 October 2011|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Economy of Reading, Berkshire}}

File:Reading International Business Park - geograph.org.uk - 182264.jpg, a telecommunications company, and was formerly the European headquarters of WorldCom before its demise]]

Image:John Lewis Reading 1.jpg

File:GreenPark Lake.jpg

File:Pond & Turbine, Green Park (geograph 4689804).jpg

Reading is a commercial centre in the Thames Valley and Southern England. The town hosts the headquarters of several British companies and the United Kingdom offices of foreign multinationals, as well as being a major retail centre.{{cite web | title = Vision for Reading Chamber of Commerce | url = http://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/memberservices/readingvision.asp | publisher=Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce | access-date =11 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080324011628/http://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/memberservices/readingvision.asp |archive-date = 24 March 2008}} Whilst located close enough to London to be sometimes regarded as part of the London commuter belt, Reading is a net inward destination for commuters. During the morning peak period, there are some 30,000 inward arrivals in the town, compared to 24,000 departures.{{cite web | url = http://ww2.reading.gov.uk/documents/Council_and_Democracy/Sustainablecommunitystragtegy2011.pdf | title = A Sustainable Community Strategy for Reading | page = 17 | publisher = Reading Borough Council | access-date = 13 July 2011 }}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Major companies Microsoft, Oracle{{cite web|title=Companies|url=http://www.thamesvalleypark.co.uk/|publisher=Thames Valley Park|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325152912/http://www.thamesvalleypark.co.uk/|archive-date=25 March 2012|url-status=dead}} and Hibu (formerly Yell Group){{cite web|title=Reading's Application for City Status|url=http://ww2.reading.gov.uk/documents/Council_and_Democracy/CityStatus/ReadingCityBid_low1.pdf|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=21 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725090252/http://ww2.reading.gov.uk/documents/Council_and_Democracy/CityStatus/ReadingCityBid_low1.pdf|archive-date=25 July 2011|url-status=dead}} have their headquarters in the Reading area. The insurance company Prudential has an administration centre in the town.{{cite news|title=Prudential could quit UK|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2070577_prudential_could_quit_uk|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=3 October 2011|date=5 May 2010|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125181458/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2070577_prudential_could_quit_uk|url-status=live}} PepsiCo{{cite web|title=Occupiers in Reading|url=http://www.arlingtonbusinessparkreading.com/customers/occupiers.html|publisher=Arlington Business Park|access-date=21 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016221028/http://www.arlingtonbusinessparkreading.com/customers/occupiers.html|archive-date=16 October 2011|url-status=dead}} and Wrigley have offices.

Global pharmaceutical giant Bayer Life Sciences relocated to Reading's Green Park Business Park in 2016.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Bayer Life Sciences Relocated in 2016|url=https://livingreading.co.uk/invest/case-studies/bayer-life-sciences|access-date=1 February 2021|website=|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207211615/https://livingreading.co.uk/invest/case-studies/bayer-life-sciences|url-status=live}} Reading has a significant historical involvement in the information technology industry, largely as a result of the early presence in the town of sites of International Computers Limited{{cite web|title=ICL Pensioners' Newsletter|url=http://uk.fujitsu.com/pensioner/localData/pdf/BB25Aut07.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721161833/http://uk.fujitsu.com/pensioner/localData/pdf/BB25Aut07.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=live|publisher=Fujitsu|access-date=12 June 2011}} and Digital Equipment Corporation.{{cite book|title=New Scientist, 17 Jul 1986|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a5CS6IcW0FEC&q=Reading%2C+Berkshire+Digital+Equipment+Corporation&pg=PA79|publisher=Reed Business Information|access-date=12 June 2011|date=17 July 1986|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005353/https://books.google.com/books?id=a5CS6IcW0FEC&q=Reading%2C+Berkshire+Digital+Equipment+Corporation&pg=PA79|url-status=live}} Other technology companies with a significant presence in the town include Huawei Technologies, Pegasystems, Access IS, CGI Inc., Agilent Technologies,{{cite web|title=Agilent Technologies agrees letting in Reading|url=http://www.cushwake.com/cwglobal/jsp/newsDetail.jsp?Country=GB&Language=EN&repId=ca3400127|publisher=Cushman & Wakefield|access-date=10 October 2011|date=25 January 2006|archive-date=4 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404160840/http://www.cushwake.com/cwglobal/jsp/newsDetail.jsp?Country=GB&Language=EN&repId=ca3400127|url-status=live}} Cisco,{{cite web|title=Occupiers|url=http://greenpark.co.uk/overview-occupiers-occupiers.html|publisher=Green Park|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817122014/http://greenpark.co.uk/overview-occupiers-occupiers.html|archive-date=17 August 2011|url-status=dead}} Ericsson,{{cite news|title=So many fantastic memories of Adam|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2013756_so_many_fantastic_memories_of_adam|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=10 October 2011|date=14 August 2007|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125180741/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2013756_so_many_fantastic_memories_of_adam|url-status=live}} Symantec, Verizon Business,{{cite web|title=Occupiers|url=http://www.readinginternationalbusinesspark.co.uk/customers/overview.html|publisher=Reading International Business Park|access-date=10 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006003640/http://www.readinginternationalbusinesspark.co.uk/customers/overview.html|archive-date=6 October 2011|url-status=dead}} and Commvault.{{cite web | url = http://www.hicksbaker.co.uk/hicks-baker-client-acquires-last-suite-at-apex-plaza/ | title = Hicks Baker client acquires last suite at Apex Plaza | date = 5 August 2014 | publisher = Hicks Baker | access-date = 12 March 2016 | quote = Fast growing data management software company CommVault has signed a new 7-year lease on Block B at Apex Plaza in Reading. | archive-date = 13 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160313025027/http://www.hicksbaker.co.uk/hicks-baker-client-acquires-last-suite-at-apex-plaza/ | url-status = live }} These companies are distributed around Reading or just outside the borough boundary, some in business parks including Thames Valley Park in nearby Earley, Green Park Business Park and Arlington Business Park.

Reading town centre is a major shopping centre. In 2007, an independent poll placed Reading 16th in a league table of best performing retail centres in the United Kingdom.{{cite web | title = Retail & Leisure Study of Reading – Volume 1 – Chapters 1 to 3 | publisher = Reading Borough Council | year = 2005 | url = http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/servingyou/planning/Vol1_Chapters1-3.pdf | access-date = 13 June 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080627125616/http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/servingyou/planning/Vol1_Chapters1-3.pdf | archive-date = 27 June 2008 | df = dmy-all }}{{cite news|title=Battle to stay top of shops|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2015699_battle_to_stay_top_of_shops|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=12 June 2011|date=28 September 2007|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125173626/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2015699_battle_to_stay_top_of_shops|url-status=live}} The main shopping street is Broad Street, which runs between The Oracle in the east and Broad Street Mall in the west and was pedestrianised in 1995.{{cite web|url=http://www.bcllegal.com/regional-information-reading.php|title=Regional Focus on Reading|work=Career Planner|publisher=BCL Legal|access-date=31 March 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410023907/http://www.bcllegal.com/regional-information-reading.php|archive-date=10 April 2009}} The smaller Friars Walk in Friar Street is closed and will be demolished if the proposed Station Hill redevelopment project goes ahead.{{cite news|title=New 'partner' for Station Hill project|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/business/s/2077835_new_partner_for_station_hill_project|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=12 June 2011|date=8 September 2010|first=David|last=Millward|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125180312/http://www.getreading.co.uk/business/s/2077835_new_partner_for_station_hill_project|url-status=live}} There are three major department stores in Reading: John Lewis & Partners (known as Heelas until 2001),{{cite web|url=http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSTemplate.aspx?Id=36|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717062735/http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSTemplate.aspx?Id=36|archive-date=17 July 2012|url-status=dead|title=The history of John Lewis Reading|publisher=John Lewis|access-date=28 April 2009}} Debenhams (now closed down), and House of Fraser.{{cite web|title=Mall Guide|url=http://www.theoracle.com/Comgenic.Manager.Images/OR6468_MallGuide_210x588_8pp_AW.pdf|publisher=Oracle|access-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927171512/http://www.theoracle.com/Comgenic.Manager.Images/OR6468_MallGuide_210x588_8pp_AW.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2011|url-status=dead}} The Broad Street branch of bookseller Waterstone's is a conversion of a nonconformist chapel dating from 1707.{{NHLE |num=1321954 |desc=Congregational Church, Broad Street, Reading |access-date=6 July 2011}} Besides the two major shopping malls, Reading has three smaller shopping arcades, the Bristol and West Arcade, Harris Arcade and The Walk, which contain smaller specialist stores. An older form of retail facility is represented by Union Street, popularly known as Smelly Alley.{{sfn|Sowan|2004}}{{cite web | url = http://www.t3v.veggroup.org/locations/61.html | title = Holland & Barrett Smelly Alley – Reading | work = Thames Valley Vegans And Vegetarians | access-date = 1 May 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081121150809/http://www.t3v.veggroup.org/locations/61.html | archive-date = 21 November 2008 | df = dmy-all }} Reading has no indoor market, but there is a street market in Hosier Street.{{cite web | url = http://www.townandcountrymarkets.co.uk/markets/reading-market.html | title = Reading Market | publisher = Town & Country Markets | access-date = 7 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722165100/http://www.townandcountrymarkets.co.uk/markets/reading-market.html | archive-date = 22 July 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} A farmers' market operates on two Saturdays a month.{{cite web | url = http://tvfm.org.uk/calendar/ | title = Calendar | publisher = Thames Valley Farmers' Market Co-operative | access-date = 22 June 2018 | archive-date = 24 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180624022544/http://tvfm.org.uk/calendar/ | url-status = dead }} The old Victorian Corn Exchange now provides an alternative access to a shopping centre.{{NHLE|num=1113539|desc= Corn Exchange Arcade Entrance |access-date=7 May 2023}}

File:Reading Festival 2007, bird's eye view 2.jpg 2007]]

Every year Reading hosts the Reading Festival, which has been running since 1971.{{cite web|title=Festival History|url=http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/reading-festival/festival-history/|work=Reading Museum|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531101416/http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/social-history/reading-festival/festival-history|archive-date=31 May 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Reading Festival: A history as 2010 line up announced|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8593000/8593803.stm|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=12 June 2011|date=29 March 2010|first=Jenny|last=Minard|archive-date=8 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208134204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8593000/8593803.stm|url-status=live}} The festival takes place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend and is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom aside from the Glastonbury Festival. Reading Festival takes place at Little Johns Farm in Reading, Richfield Avenue.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Reading Festival Location|url=https://www.readingfestival.com/index.php?s=Location&t=info|access-date=1 February 2021|website=|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207095322/https://www.readingfestival.com/index.php?s=Location&t=info|url-status=live}} For some twenty years until 2006, Reading was also known for its WOMAD Festival until it moved to Charlton Park in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.{{cite news|url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,765215,00.html|title=WOMAD in Reading|access-date=6 July 2006|work=guardian.co.uk|publisher=Guardian Media Group|location=London|first=Deborah|last=Schofield|date=5 August 2002|archive-date=22 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122084640/http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,765215,00.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|work=BBC News|location=London|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/5403836.stm|title=Womad venue change after 17 years|access-date=20 October 2006|date=3 October 2006|archive-date=7 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061007075510/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/5403836.stm|url-status=live}}

The Reading Beer Festival was first held in 1994{{cite news|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/lifestyle/food_and_drink/s/2049954_reading_beer_festival_family_friendly_fun|title=Reading Beer Festival: family friendly fun|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=13 June 2009|date=30 April 2009|first=Jonny|last=Fordham|archive-date=5 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605160021/http://www.getreading.co.uk/lifestyle/food_and_drink/s/2049954_reading_beer_festival_family_friendly_fun|url-status=live}} and has now grown to one of the largest beer festivals in the United Kingdom. It is held at King's Meadow for the five days immediately preceding the May Day bank holiday every year.{{cite web|url=http://www.readingbeerfestival.org.uk/|title=18th Reading CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival|publisher=Reading Beer Festival|access-date=13 June 2009|archive-date=26 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626220628/http://www.readingbeerfestival.org.uk/|url-status=live}} Reading also holds Reading Pride, an annual LGBT festival in Kings Meadow.

The Frank Matcham-designed Royal County Theatre, built in 1895, was located on the south side of Friar Street. It burned down in 1937.{{cite web|title=Reading Theatre|url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/enter/theatre.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805235231/http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/enter/theatre.html |archive-date=5 August 2011|publisher=Reading History Trail|access-date=19 January 2015}} Within the town hall is a 700-seat concert hall that houses a Father Willis organ.{{cite web|title=Concert Hall|url=http://www.readingarts.com/concerthall/informationforpromotershirers/|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=26 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511185347/http://www.readingarts.com/concerthall/informationforpromotershirers/|archive-date=11 May 2011|url-status=dead}} Reading theatre venues include The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre.{{cite web|url=http://www.readingarts.com/thehexagon|title=The Hexagon Reading Arts|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607225702/http://www.readingarts.com/thehexagon|archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.readingarts.com/southstreet|title=21 South Street|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=14 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403040650/http://www.readingarts.com/southstreet/|archive-date=3 April 2007|url-status=dead}} Reading Repertory Theatre is based at Reading College: its Royal Patron is Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.{{cite web |title=HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, Announced as Royal Patron |url=https://www.readingrep.com/stories/hrh-prince-edward-the-earl-of-wessex-announced-as-royal-patron/ |website=Reading Rep |access-date=1 November 2022 |archive-date=31 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031122042/https://www.readingrep.com/stories/hrh-prince-edward-the-earl-of-wessex-announced-as-royal-patron/ |url-status=live }}

Amateur theatre venues in Reading include Progress Theatre,{{cite web|url=http://www.progresstheatre.co.uk/|title=Progress Theatre homepage|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=15 March 2007|archive-date=11 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411172248/http://www.progresstheatre.co.uk/|url-status=live}} a self-governing, self-funding theatre group and registered charity founded in 1947 that operates and maintains its own 97-seat theatre.{{cite web|url=http://www.readingarts.com/othervenues/theprogresstheatre|title=Progress Theatre|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=14 March 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070327102837/http://www.readingarts.com/othervenues/theprogresstheatre/|archive-date=27 March 2007}} Rabble Theatre{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=RABBLE Theatre |url=https://rabbletheatre.com/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en-GB}} in Caversham and Reading Rep{{Cite web |title=Reading Rep Theatre {{!}} Multi-Award-Winning theatre {{!}} Berkshire |url=https://www.readingrep.com/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Reading Rep Theatre |language=en}} on London Road offer classic and contemporary performances. Jelly{{Cite web |title=Jelly is an arts charity based in Reading, UK. |url=https://www.jelly.org.uk/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Jelly |language=en-US}} is an artist-led organisation that has been committed to improving access to the arts since 1993. {{Cite web |date=2024-01-17 |title=Readingszone |url=https://readingszone.com/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en-GB}}

File:Reading Abbey Inner Gatehouse, The Forbury - geograph.org.uk - 397564.jpg, where Jane Austen went to school]]

Jane Austen attended Reading Ladies Boarding School, based in the Abbey Gateway, in 1784–1786.{{cite web |url=http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jausten.html |title=Biographies: Jane Austen (1775–1817) |author=Ford, David Nash |year=2001 |work=Royal Berkshire History |publisher=Nash Ford Publishing |access-date=28 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514055751/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jausten.html |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=dead }} Mary Russell Mitford lived in Reading for a number of years and then spent the rest of her life just outside the town at Three Mile Cross and Swallowfield.{{cite web |url=http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/mrmitford.html |title=Biographies: Mary Russell Mitford (1787–1865) |author=Ford, David Nash |year=2003 |work=Royal Berkshire History |publisher=Nash Ford Publishing |access-date=28 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606051318/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/mrmitford.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead }} The fictional Belford Regis of her eponymous novel,Mary Russell Mitford, Belford Regis; or Sketches of a Country Town, 3 vols., London 1835 first published in 1835, is largely based on Reading. Described with topographical accuracy, it is still possible to follow the steps of the novel's characters in present-day Reading. Reading also appears in the works of Thomas Hardy where it is called 'Aldbrickham'.{{cite book|author=Thomas Hardy|title=Jude the Obscure|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cybhDUKw79MC&pg=PA498|date=7 July 1999|publisher=Broadview Press|isbn=978-1-55111-171-1|pages=498|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005353/https://books.google.com/books?id=cybhDUKw79MC&pg=PA498|url-status=live}} It features most heavily in his final novel, Jude the Obscure, as the temporary home of Jude Fawley and Sue Bridehead.

Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in Reading Gaol from 1895 to 1897. While there, he wrote his letter De Profundis. After his release, he lived in exile in France and wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol, based on his experience of the execution of Charles Wooldridge, carried out in Reading Gaol whilst he was imprisoned there.{{cite web|title=A Walk on the Wilde Side of Reading|url=http://www.theaa.com/walks/a-walk-on-the-wilde-side-of-reading-420103|publisher=The Automobile Association|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-date=9 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209025242/http://www.theaa.com/walks/a-walk-on-the-wilde-side-of-reading-420103|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Oscar Wilde: Prisoner C33|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/bigread/bigread_wilde.shtml|work=BBC Berkshire|publisher=BBC|location=London|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-date=18 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018033754/http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/bigread/bigread_wilde.shtml|url-status=live}} In March 2021, street artist Banksy claimed responsibility for a painting on the wall of the jail. It depicted an inmate escaping with bedsheets and a typewriter, said to resemble Oscar Wilde.{{Cite news |date=2021-03-04 |title=Banksy confirms escaping prisoner artwork at Reading Prison |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-56243680 |access-date=2024-03-28 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Reading was the location of the world's first commercial studio for photograph printing, which was set up by William Henry Fox Talbot in 1844.{{Cite book |last=Andrews |first=Martin J. |title=Fox Talbot & the Reading Establishment |date=2014 |publisher=Two Rivers Press |isbn=978-1-901677-98-0 |location=Reading}}

Ricky Gervais, who is from Reading, made the film Cemetery Junction, which, although filmed elsewhere in the United Kingdom, is set in 1970s Reading and is named after a busy junction in East Reading.{{cite news|title=Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on Cemetery Junction|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8620000/8620268.stm|work=BBC Berkshire|publisher=BBC|location=London|access-date=8 June 2011|date=14 April 2010|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806153846/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8620000/8620268.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Cemetery Junction starring the Reading Post|url=http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/entertainment/film_and_cinema/s/2069326_cemetery_junction_starring_the_reading_post|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=8 June 2011|date=14 April 2010|first=Linda|last=Fort|archive-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801061659/http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/entertainment/film_and_cinema/s/2069326_cemetery_junction_starring_the_reading_post|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Ricky Gervais is going Up the Junction|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2049012_ricky_gervais_is_going_up_the_junction|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=8 June 2011|date=16 April 2009|first=Anna|last=Roberts|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125180847/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2049012_ricky_gervais_is_going_up_the_junction|url-status=live}} Jasper Fforde's Nursery Crimes Division novels, The Big Over Easy and The Fourth Bear, are also placed in Reading. The BBC Two sitcom Beautiful People, based on the memoirs of Simon Doonan, is set in Reading in the late 1990s.

File:Forbury Gardens, Reading.jpg in Forbury Gardens]]

The Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens, an unofficial symbol of Reading, commemorates the 328 officers of the Royal Berkshire Regiment who died in the Battle of Maiwand in 1880.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=135}}{{cite news|title=The Maiwand Lion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2009/07/27/maiwand_lion_history_feature.shtml|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=11 June 2011|date=27 July 2009|first=Linda|last=Serck|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604224349/http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2009/07/27/maiwand_lion_history_feature.shtml|url-status=live}} There are a number of other works of public art in Reading. The Blade, a fourteen-storey building completed in 2009, is {{convert|86|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} tall and can be seen from the surrounding area.{{cite web|title=Introduction|url=http://www.thebladereading.com/|publisher=The Blade Reading|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-date=13 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013184544/http://www.thebladereading.com/|url-status=live}} Jacksons Corner with its prominent sign, former home of Jacksons department store, occupies the corner of Kings Road and High Street, just south of the Market Place.{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-25270010 | title = Jacksons Corner department store has closed after 138 years | work = bbc.co.uk | publisher = BBC | date = 24 December 2014 | access-date = 20 June 2018 | archive-date = 24 November 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181124051956/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-25270010 | url-status = live }}

Reading has two scheduled monuments, six Grade I, 22 Grade II* and 853 Grade II listed buildings, in a wide variety of architectural styles that range from the medieval to the 21st century. The scheduled monuments are Reading Abbey and High Bridge, whilst the Grade I listed buildings are Reading Abbey, the Abbey Gateway, Greyfriars Church, St Laurence's Church, Reading Minster, and the barn at Chazey Farmhouse on the Warren.{{cite web|title=Listed Buildings in Reading, Berkshire, England|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/england/berkshire/reading|work=British Listed Buildings|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-date=28 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528135815/http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/england/berkshire/reading|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Guide to Listed Buildings|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/businesses/Planning/PlanningApplicationService/guide-to-listed-buildings/|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=5 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521213426/http://www.reading.gov.uk/businesses/Planning/PlanningApplicationService/guide-to-listed-buildings/|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=dead}}

Reading has a local newspaper, the Reading Chronicle, published on Thursdays. The town's other local newspaper, the Reading Post, ceased publication on paper in December 2014, in order to transition to an online only format under the title getreading. As of 2018, getreading joined the InYourArea local news network.{{cite web |title=getreading - InYourArea |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/tag/getreading/ |website=InYourArea |access-date=6 June 2018 |archive-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606011118/https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/tag/getreading/ |url-status=live }} A local publishing company, the Two Rivers Press, has published over 70 book titles, many on the topic of local history and art.{{cite web | url = http://www.reading.ac.uk/special-collections/news/exhibitions/sc-exhibition-tworivers.aspx | title = 15 years of Two Rivers Press | publisher = University of Reading | access-date = 13 June 2014 | archive-date = 14 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714120509/http://www.reading.ac.uk/special-collections/news/exhibitions/sc-exhibition-tworivers.aspx | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://tworiverspress.com/wp/about/ | title = About | publisher = Two Rivers Press | access-date = 13 June 2014 | archive-date = 14 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143846/http://tworiverspress.com/wp/about/ | url-status = live }} Three local radio stations broadcast from Reading: BBC Radio Berkshire, Heart South and Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire and North Hampshire. Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC South and ITV Meridian, BBC London & ITV London can also be received. Reading has one local television station, That's Thames Valley, which broadcasts local news throughout the Greater Reading area.

File:Royal Berkshire Hospital 3.jpg original frontage, built in 1839 with bath stone{{cite web|title=Main Block and Flanking Wings at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-39019-main-block-and-flanking-wings-at-royal-be|work=British Listed Buildings|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-date=30 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130214400/http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-39019-main-block-and-flanking-wings-at-royal-be|url-status=live}}]]

Reading has over 100 parks and playgrounds, including {{convert|5|mi|km|0}} of riverside paths. In the town centre is Forbury Gardens, a public park built on the site of the outer court of Reading Abbey. The largest public park in Reading is Prospect Park, an estate in west Reading previously owned by Frances Kendrick but acquired by Reading Corporation in 1901. This is complemented by Palmer Park, a purpose built public park in east Reading gifted to the town by the proprietors of Huntley & Palmers in 1889.{{cite web| title=Parks and Open Spaces |url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/NaturalEnvironment/ParksandOpenSpaces/ |publisher=Reading Borough Council |access-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424084105/http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/NaturalEnvironment/ParksandOpenSpaces/ |archive-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=141}}{{cite web |title=Prospect Park |url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/ParksandOpenSpaces/ProspectPark/ |publisher=Reading Borough Council |access-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426021744/http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/ParksandOpenSpaces/ProspectPark/ |archive-date=26 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}

A string of open spaces stretch along one or other side of the River Thames throughout its passage through Reading. From west to east these are Thameside Promenade, Caversham Court, Christchurch Meadows, Hills Meadow, View Island and King's Meadow. Reading also has five local nature reserves: Clayfield Copse in Caversham, with the other four McIlroy Park, Blundells Copse, Lousehill Copse and Round Copse all in Tilehurst{{cite web |url=https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors/parks-outdoor-facilities-open-spaces/ |title=Parks, Outdoor Facilities & Open Spaces |publisher=Reading Borough Council |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628104835/https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors/parks-outdoor-facilities-open-spaces/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008844%27 |title=Magic Map Application |publisher=Magic.defra.gov.uk |access-date=11 April 2017 |archive-date=11 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411055600/http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271008844%27 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/aspects-of-suburban-landscapes/aspects-suburban-landscapes.pdf/ |title=Aspects of Suburban Landscapes |publisher=Historic England |access-date=9 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410133019/https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/aspects-of-suburban-landscapes/aspects-suburban-landscapes.pdf/ |archive-date=10 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}

The principal National Health Service (NHS) hospital in Reading is the Royal Berkshire Hospital, founded in 1839 and much enlarged and rebuilt since.{{cite web|title=Royal Berkshire Hospital|url=http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/about_us/our_locations/royal_berkshire_hospital.aspx?theme=Patient|publisher=NHS|access-date=11 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721051342/http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/about_us/our_locations/royal_berkshire_hospital.aspx?theme=Patient|archive-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead}} A second major NHS general hospital, the Battle Hospital, closed in 2005.{{cite web | url = http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/news/book-launch-battle-hospital-history.php | title = Book Launch: Battle Hospital History | work=Royal Berkshire Hospital|publisher=NHS| access-date =25 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222759/http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/news/book-launch-battle-hospital-history.php |archive-date = 27 September 2007}} Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust runs a NHS hospital, Prospect Park Hospital, which specialises in the provision of care for people with mental health and learning disabilities.{{cite web | url = http://www.berkshirehct.nhs.uk/index.asp | title = Welcome to Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust | work = Royal Berkshire Hospital | publisher = NHS | access-date = 25 April 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070417233037/http://www.berkshirehct.nhs.uk/index.asp | archive-date = 17 April 2007 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} Reading has three private hospitals: the Berkshire Independent Hospital in Coley Park, the Dunedin Hospital situated on the main A4 Bath Road, and the Circle Hospital at Kennet Island.{{cite web | title = Capio Reading Private Hospital | url = http://www.capio.co.uk/Find+a+hospital/chooseyourhospital/CapioHospitals/Capio+Reading+Hospital.htm | publisher=Capio Healthcare UK | access-date =25 April 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315084814/http://www.capio.co.uk/Find+a+hospital/chooseyourhospital/CapioHospitals/Capio+Reading+Hospital.htm |archive-date = 15 March 2007}}{{cite web|title=How to find Spire Dunedin Hospital|url=http://www.spirehealthcare.com/dunedin/Find-or-Contact-Us/|publisher=Spire Healthcare|access-date=25 June 2011|archive-date=16 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516040842/http://www.spirehealthcare.com/dunedin/Find-or-Contact-Us/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url = http://www.circlepartnership.co.uk/about-circle/media/mri-milestone-in-circlereading-construction | title = MRI Milestone in CircleReading construction | publisher = Circle Holdings plc | access-date = 29 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121106214131/http://www.circlepartnership.co.uk/about-circle/media/mri-milestone-in-circlereading-construction | archive-date = 6 November 2012 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}

Mains water and sewerage services are provided by Thames Water Utilities Limited, a private sector water supply company, whilst water abstraction and disposal is regulated by the Environment Agency. Reading's water supply is largely derived from underground aquifers, and as a consequence the water is hard.{{cite web | title = Water and sewerage operators | publisher = Water UK | access-date = 11 June 2008 | url = http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/links/water-operators/sewerage-operators | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080623204834/http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/links/water-operators/sewerage-operators | archive-date = 23 June 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/?lang=_e |title=Water Resources |publisher=Environment Agency |access-date=11 June 2008 |archive-date=9 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609195124/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterres/?lang=_e |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterquality/?lang=_e |title=Water Quality |publisher=Environment Agency |access-date=11 June 2008 |archive-date=28 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728093916/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waterquality/?lang=_e |url-status=live }}

The commercial energy supplier for electricity and gas is at the consumer's choice. SSEN runs the local electricity distribution network, while SGN runs the gas distribution network. A notable part of the local energy infrastructure is the presence of a 2 megawatt (peak) Enercon wind turbine at Green Park Business Park, with the potential to produce 2.7 million kWh of electricity a year, enough to power over a thousand homes.{{cite web |url=http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/from-the-wind/wind-parks-gallery/green-park-reading |title=Green Park, Reading |publisher=Ecotricity |access-date=11 June 2008 |archive-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130040537/http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/from-the-wind/wind-parks-gallery/green-park-reading |url-status=live }} Additionally, Reading Hydro runs a micro hydroelectric power station on the Thames. Reading had its own power station in Vastern Road from 1895 to the 1960s. The power station was initially owned and operated by the Reading Electric Supply Company Limited, then from 1933 by the Reading Corporation until the nationalisation of the British electricity supply industry in 1948.{{Cite book|last=Garrett|first=Frederick|title=Garcke's Manual of Electricity Supply vol. 56|publisher=Electrical Press|year=1959|location=London|pages=A-87}}

The dialling code for fixed-line telephones in Reading is 0118. BT provides fixed-line telephone coverage throughout the town and ADSL broadband internet connection to most areas. Parts of Reading are cabled by Virgin Media, supplying cable television, telephone and broadband internet connections. Hyperoptic also has a presence in the town, supplying Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband internet connections at speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s.{{cite web |title=UK's fastest broadband now live in Reading |url=https://www.hyperoptic.com/company-history/posts/uks-fastest-broadband-now-live-in-reading/ |website=Hyperoptic |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325160057/https://www.hyperoptic.com/company-history/posts/uks-fastest-broadband-now-live-in-reading/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|List of schools in Reading}}

File:The University of Reading.jpg's main Whiteknights Campus]]

File:Museum of English Rural Life 2.jpg

Reading School (a state grammar school), founded in 1125, is the 16th oldest school in England.{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.readingschool.reading.sch.uk/page.asp?sec=School_History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722123930/http://www.readingschool.reading.sch.uk/page.asp?sec=School_History|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 July 2011|publisher=Reading School|access-date=12 June 2011}} There are six other state secondary schools and 38 state primary schools within the borough, together with a number of private schools and nurseries.{{cite web|title=List of Schools|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/EducationandLearning/Schools/ListofSchools/|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=5 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411050650/http://www.reading.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/EducationandLearning/Schools/ListofSchools|archive-date=11 April 2012|url-status=dead}} Alfred Sutton Boys' School closed in the mid-1980s.{{Cite web|url=http://ww2.berkshirenclosure.org.uk/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=SCH38|title=Records of Alfred Sutton Secondary Boys' School, Reading|last=Record Office|first=Berkshire|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-date=25 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225161854/http://ww2.berkshirenclosure.org.uk/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=SCH38|url-status=live}} Reading College has provided further education in Reading since 1955, with over 8,500 local learners on over 900 courses.{{cite web | url = http://www.reading-college.ac.uk/about-us/ | title = About Reading College | publisher=Reading College | access-date =23 August 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100817172041/http://www.reading-college.ac.uk/about-us/ | archive-date =17 August 2010}} English language schools in Reading include Gateway Languages, the English Language Centre, ELC London Street and Eurospeak Language School.

The University of Reading was established in 1892 as an affiliate of Oxford University.{{cite web|title=The University of Reading is 85 years old|url=http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/staffportal/news/articles/spsn-357935.aspx|publisher=University of Reading|access-date=12 June 2011|date=16 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125180507/http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/staffportal/news/articles/spsn-357935.aspx|archive-date=25 November 2011|url-status=dead}} It moved to its London Road Campus in 1904 and to its new Whiteknights Campus in 1947. It took over the Bulmershe College of Higher Education, a teacher training college, in 1989, becoming Bulmershe Court Campus. The Henley Management College, situated in Buckinghamshire and about {{convert|10|mi}} from Reading, was taken over in 2008, becoming Greenlands Campus.{{cite web|title=History of the University's Estates|url=http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-estates.aspx|publisher=University of Reading|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521170141/http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-estates.aspx|archive-date=21 May 2011|url-status=dead}} The University of West London maintains a presence in the town for its higher education students, principally in nursing, but has now divested itself of its previous ownership of Reading College and its further education students.{{cite web | title = Thames Valley University to become the 'University of West London' | publisher = Thames Valley University | url = http://www.uwl.ac.uk/the_university/tvu_to_become_uwl.jsp?ID=3644&Main_title=Thames%20Valley%20University%20to%20become%20'The%20University%20of%20West%20London' | date = 3 August 2010 | access-date = 23 August 2010 | archive-date = 25 November 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111125172442/http://www.uwl.ac.uk/the_university/tvu_to_become_uwl.jsp?ID=3644&Main_title=Thames%20Valley%20University%20to%20become%20%27The%20University%20of%20West%20London%27 | url-status = dead }}

The Reading Borough Libraries service dates back to 1877.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=135}} Initially housed in Reading Town Hall, the central branch of the library was relocated to a new building on King's Road in 1985.{{cite web |title=About Reading Central Library |url=http://www.readinglibraries.org.uk/aboutus/central.htm |publisher=Reading Borough Libraries |access-date=21 October 2011 |archive-date=9 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009231105/http://www.readinglibraries.org.uk/aboutus/central.htm |url-status=dead }}

The Reading Museum{{Cite web|date=6 March 2017|title=Reading Museum|url=https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/reading-museum|access-date=18 September 2020|website=Reading Museum|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} opened in 1883 in the town's municipal buildings.{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=135}} It contains galleries relating to the history of Reading and to the excavations of Calleva Atrebatum,{{sfn|Phillips|1980|p=177}} together with a full-size bowdlerised replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, an art collection, and galleries relating to Huntley and Palmers.{{cite web|title=Collections|url=http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/|work=Reading Museum|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=2 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602105243/http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections|url-status=live}} The Museum of English Rural Life, in East Reading, is a museum dedicated to recording the changing face of farming and the countryside in England. It houses designated collections of national importance. It is owned and run by the University of Reading, as are the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, the Cole Museum of Zoology and the Harris Botanic Gardens, all of which can be found on the university's Whiteknights Campus.{{cite news | title = Doors set to open on rural museum | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/4638321.stm | work = BBC News | publisher = BBC | location = London | date = 30 June 2005 | access-date = 25 April 2009 | archive-date = 27 March 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220327221453/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/4638321.stm | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.reading.ac.uk/merl/about/merl-about.asp | title = About the Museum of English Rural Life | publisher = University of Reading | access-date = 24 April 2009 | archive-date = 20 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210620115306/https://merl.reading.ac.uk/about-us/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web|title=Museums and Special Collections|url=http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-museums.aspx|publisher=University of Reading|access-date=12 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213215627/http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/about-museums.aspx|archive-date=13 February 2014}} The small Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock tells the story of Reading's two rivers. The Museum of Berkshire Aviation has a collection of aircraft and other artefacts relating to the aircraft industry in the town.{{cite web | title=Riverside Museum | work=Reading Library Service | url=http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/galleries/blakes.htm | access-date=17 September 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060824063511/http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/galleries/blakes.htm |archive-date = 24 August 2006}}{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/|publisher=Museum of Berkshire Aviation|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615234514/http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Transport in Reading, Berkshire}}

File:FrysIsland01.JPG from Caversham Bridge looking eastwards]]

File:Reading Station drone view.jpg in October 2023]]

File:Reading - GWR 800026+800024 up service.JPG {{brc|800}} with a service to London]]

Reading's location in the Thames Valley to the west of London has made the town a significant element in the nation's transport system.

The town grew up as a river port at the confluence of the River Thames and the River Kennet. Both of these rivers are navigable, and Caversham Lock, Blake's Lock, County Lock, Fobney Lock and Southcote Lock are all within the borough. Today, navigation is predominantly for purposes of leisure: private and hire boats dominate traffic, while scheduled boat services operate on the Thames from wharves on the Reading side of the river near Caversham Bridge.{{cite web | publisher = Salters Steamers |url=http://www.salterssteamers.co.uk/readhen.htm | title = Reading to Henley Service |access-date=30 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070802161401/http://www.salterssteamers.co.uk/readhen.htm | archive-date=2 August 2007 }}{{cite web |publisher=Thames River Cruises | url = http://www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk/scheduled_trip2.asp |title=Boat service from Reading to Mapledurham | access-date = 29 April 2007 | url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430174450/http://www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk/scheduled_trip2.asp | archive-date=30 April 2007 }}

Reading was a major staging point on the old Bath Road (A4) from London to Avonmouth near Bristol. This road still carries local traffic, but has now been replaced for long-distance traffic by the M4 motorway, which closely skirts the borough and serves it with three junctions, J10-J12. Other main roads serving Reading include the A33, A327, A329, A4074 and A4155. Within Reading there is the Inner Distribution Road (IDR), a ring road for local traffic. The IDR is linked with the M4 by the A33 relief road. The Thames is crossed by both Reading and Caversham road bridges, while several road bridges cross the Kennet, the oldest surviving one of which is High Bridge.{{cite web|title=11 High Bridge|url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/trail/trail11.html|work=Reading History Trail|access-date=9 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514074400/http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/trail/trail11.html |archive-date=14 May 2011}}

Reading has two operational park and ride sites. Mereoak, a short distance south of Junction 11 of the M4, is also a stop for National Express Coaches between London and the West.{{cite web|title=Destinations|url=http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/destinations/destinationdetails.cfm?t=own&location_code=61206&fromc=Reading%20-%20Calcot|publisher=National Express|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615134850/http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/destinations/destinationdetails.cfm?t=own&location_code=61206&fromc=Reading%20-%20Calcot|url-status=live}} A site outside the Winnersh Triangle railway station opened in 2015 and is easily accessed from the junction where the A329(M) becomes the A3290.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-34626113 |title=New park and ride for Reading in operation |date=26 October 2015 |access-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102103003/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-34626113 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |url-status=live |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}

Reading is a major junction point of the National Rail system, and hence Reading station is a transfer point and terminus. In a project that finished in 2015, Reading station was redeveloped at a cost of £850m, with grade separation of some conflicting traffic flows, and extra platforms, to relieve severe congestion at this station.{{cite web | url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6339.aspx | title = Reading station area redevelopment | publisher = Network Rail | access-date = 13 June 2011 | archive-date = 28 December 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161228050820/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6339.aspx | url-status = live }}{{cite news|title=Reading rail station's £850m upgrade to finish early|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13437508|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=13 June 2011|date=18 May 2011|archive-date=21 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521095943/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13437508|url-status=live}} Railway lines link Reading to both Paddington and Waterloo stations in London. Other stations in the Reading area are Reading West, Reading Green Park, Tilehurst and Earley.

Reading is a western terminus of the Elizabeth line, which provides stopping services to London Paddington, and means Reading is featured on the London Tube map. Cross-London connections are possible from Reading to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.[https://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/our-plan-to-complete-the-elizabeth-line/phased-opening#:~:text=2023%20%2D%20Final%20version%20of%20the,trains%20per%20hour%20off%2Dpeak Phased Opening] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928021557/https://www.crossrail.co.uk/project/our-plan-to-complete-the-elizabeth-line/phased-opening#:~:text=2023%20%2D%20Final%20version%20of%20the,trains%20per%20hour%20off%2Dpeak |date=28 September 2022 }} Crossrail

There have been two airfields in or near Reading, one at Coley Park{{cite web | title = The Coley Park Aerodrome and CWS Jam Works | url = http://www.users.on.net/~kevros/coleypark/oc_aerocws.htm | publisher = Coley Park & Beyond (Kevin Rosier) | access-date = 15 February 2008 | archive-date = 23 February 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080223134821/http://www.users.on.net/~kevros/coleypark/oc_aerocws.htm | url-status = live }} and one at Woodley,{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/|publisher=Museum of Berkshire Aviation|access-date=26 June 2011|archive-date=15 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615234514/http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/|url-status=live}} but they have both closed. The nearest international airport is London Heathrow, {{convert|20|mi}} away. An express bus service named RailAir links Reading with Heathrow,{{Cite web|title=RailAir {{!}} First Bus|url=https://www.firstbus.co.uk/railair|access-date=26 January 2022|website=www.firstbus.co.uk|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126174415/https://www.firstbus.co.uk/railair|url-status=live}} or the airport can be accessed by rail by taking the Elizabeth line to Hayes & Harlington and changing for a connecting service to Heathrow. This journey takes around 45 minutes by rail.{{Cite web|title=Reading to Heathrow Airport|url=https://www.heathrowexpress.com/reading-to-heathrow-airport-by-train/|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Heathrow Express Train|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126174409/https://www.heathrowexpress.com/reading-to-heathrow-airport-by-train/|url-status=live}} London City Airport can be reached via a direct train to Custom House on the Elizabeth line followed by a short bus connection. Gatwick Airport can be accessed via a direct local train operating via Guildford, and Luton and Stansted airports can be accessed with one change in Central London. Further afield, Southampton Airport can be accessed directly by rail in around 50-70 minutes depending on the service, or reached by road in approximately the same timeframe.

Today local public transport is largely by road, which is often affected by peak hour congestion in the borough. A frequent local bus network within the borough, and a less frequent network in the surrounding area, are provided by Reading Buses - one of the few remaining municipal bus companies in the country - and its subsidiaries Newbury & District and Thames Valley Buses. Other bus operators serving Reading include Carousel Buses, Thames Travel and RedRose.{{cite web | url = http://www.reading-travelinfo.co.uk/bus.aspx | title = travel Reading - Travel By Bus | publisher = Reading Borough Council | access-date = 20 February 2016 | archive-date = 4 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204141036/http://www.reading-travelinfo.co.uk/bus.aspx | url-status = live }} ReadiBus provides an on-demand transport service for people with restricted mobility in the area.{{cite web | url = http://www.readibus.co.uk/ | title = ReadiBus The Dial-a-Ride, door-to-door assisted bus service | publisher = ReadiBus | access-date = 20 February 2016 | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165223/http://www.readibus.co.uk/ | url-status = live }}

In March 2011, Reading Borough Council approved a bike sharing scheme similar to London Cycle Hire Scheme, with 1,000 bicycles available at up to 150 docking stations across Reading. However this scheme came to an end in March 2019, with the operator unable to cover the operational costs or find a sponsor to do so.{{cite web|title=Bike Hire Plans for Reading|url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/pressreleases/2011/mar/bike-hire-plans-for-reading/|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=5 April 2012|date=10 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904162407/http://www.reading.gov.uk/pressreleases/2011/mar/bike-hire-plans-for-reading/|archive-date=4 September 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Fort|first=Linda|title=Green light for Reading bike hire scheme|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2089319_green_light_for_reading_bike_hire_scheme|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=25 June 2011|date=15 March 2011|archive-date=11 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911200746/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2089319_green_light_for_reading_bike_hire_scheme|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.reading.co.uk/readybike-cycle-hire-reading/ |title=ReadyBike Cycle Hire Comes To An End In Reading |work=Reading.co.uk |date=18 March 2019 |access-date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913111425/https://www.reading.co.uk/readybike-cycle-hire-reading/}}

File:Reading Minster, church tower.jpg tower, chequered with flint and ashlar{{cite web|title=Church of St Mary, Reading|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-39156-church-of-st-mary-reading|work=British Listed Buildings|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=25 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125134110/http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-39156-church-of-st-mary-reading|url-status=live}}]]

File:Reading Abbey 03.jpg]]

Reading Minster (the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin) is Reading's oldest ecclesiastical foundation, known to have been founded by the 9th century and possibly earlier.{{cite web|title=Detailed history|url=http://www.readingminster.org.uk/history/detailed-history/|publisher=Reading Minster of St. Mary the Virgin|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=7 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007071958/http://www.readingminster.org.uk/history/detailed-history/|url-status=dead}} Although eclipsed in importance by the later abbey, Reading Minster has regained its importance since the destruction of the abbey. Reading Abbey was founded by Henry I in 1121. He was buried there, as were parts of his daughter Empress Matilda, William of Poitiers, Constance of York, and Princess Isabella of Cornwall, among others.{{sfn|Ditchfield|Page|1923|pp=342–364}}{{sfn|Slade|2001|p=1–16}} The abbey was one of the pilgrimage centres of medieval England; it held over 230 relics including the hand of St. James. Today all that remains of the abbey are the inner rubble cores of the walls of many of the major buildings of the abbey, together with a much restored inner gateway and the intact hospitium.{{cite web |url=http://www.berkshirehistory.com/churches/rdgrelic.html |title=Relics from Reading Abbey |author=Ford, David Nash |year=2001 |work=Royal Berkshire History |publisher=Nash Ford Publishing |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605115545/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/churches/rdgrelic.html |archive-date=5 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | last = Ford | first = David Nash | work = Royal Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/churches/reading_abbey_ruins.html | title = Ruins of Reading Abbey | access-date = 23 April 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091004092543/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/churches/reading_abbey_ruins.html | archive-date = 4 October 2009 | url-status = dead }}

The medieval borough of Reading was served by three parish churches: Reading Minster, St Giles' Church, and St Laurence's Church. All are still in use by the Church of England.{{cite web|title=Reading in 1841|url=http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Berkshire/reading.htm|publisher=Old Towns Books and Maps|access-date=12 June 2011|archive-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927154945/http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Berkshire/reading.htm|url-status=live}} The Franciscan friars built a friary in the town in 1311. After the friars were expelled in 1538, the building was used as a hospital, a poorhouse, and a jail, before being restored as the Church of England parish church of Greyfriars Church in 1863.{{NHLE |num=1321952 |desc=Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading |access-date=6 July 2011}}{{cite web | url = http://www.greyfriars.org.uk/history.php | title = Greyfriars Church – History | publisher = Greyfriars Church PCC | access-date = 28 November 2007 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080219105451/http://www.greyfriars.org.uk/history.php | archive-date = 19 February 2008 | df = dmy-all }} The Bishop of Reading is a suffragan bishop within the Church of England's Diocese of Oxford. The bishop is based in Reading, and is responsible for the archdeaconry of Berkshire. There are a total of 18 Church of England parish churches in Reading.{{cite book | title = Crockford's Clerical Directory 2008/2009 | date = December 2007 | publisher = Church House Publishing | isbn = 978-0-7151-1030-0| edition = 100th }}{{cite web | url = http://www.achurchnearyou.com/parishfinder.php?Reading | title = Parish Finder – Reading | work = A Church Near You | publisher = Church of England | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141217043935/http://www.achurchnearyou.com/parishfinder.php?Reading | archive-date = 17 December 2014 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}

St James's Church was built on a portion of the site of the abbey between 1837 and 1840, and marked the return of the Roman Catholic faith to Reading. Reading was also the site of the death of Blessed Dominic Barberi, the Catholic missionary to England in the 19th century who received John Henry Newman into the Catholic faith. There are now eight Roman Catholic parish churches in Reading.{{cite web|title=Church of St James', Reading|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-38939-church-of-st-james-reading|work=British Listed Buildings|access-date=8 May 2011|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119003454/http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-38939-church-of-st-james-reading|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Blessed Dominic Barberi|url=http://www.passionist.org/about/historymissioncharism/saintsandblesseds/dominicbarberi|publisher=The Passionists of Holy Cross Province|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726012143/http://www.passionist.org/about/historymissioncharism/saintsandblesseds/dominicbarberi|archive-date=26 July 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url = http://www.ukcpd.com/eng_diocese/portsmouth/ports_frames.htm | title = The UK Catholic Parish Directory – Diocese of Portsmouth | publisher = Benet Services | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-date = 17 December 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141217043438/http://www.ukcpd.com/eng_diocese/portsmouth/ports_frames.htm | url-status = live }} Kings Road Baptist Church was founded in Reading in 1640 or 1641.Ernest A. Payne, The Baptists of Berkshire through Three Centuries (London: Carey Kingsgate Press, 1951), p.19 In addition to Catholicism and the Church of England, the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination is also represented in the town, particularly by Reading West SDA Church on Loverock Road, Reading Central SDA Church on Tilehurst Road, and various other churches around Reading.{{cite web|title=Reading Central Seventh-day Adventist Church|url=http://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/service.page?id=yqnN9dnOs7Y|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907201949/http://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/service.page?id=yqnN9dnOs7Y|archive-date=7 September 2017}}{{cite web|title=Southern England – Counties|url=http://www.adventistchurches.org.uk/churches.php?Field=SEC%20(Counties)|website=Adventist Church in UK and Ireland|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907201940/http://www.adventistchurches.org.uk/churches.php?Field=SEC%20(Counties)|archive-date=7 September 2017}}

Reading has had an organised Jewish community since 1886. At least one Jewish family living in the area has been traced back as far as 1842. The group grew to 13 families, who in 1886 declared themselves a community and commenced building a synagogue. On 31 October 1900, Reading Hebrew Congregation{{cite web |url=http://www.rhc.org.uk/ |title=Reading Hebrew Congregation |publisher=Reading Jewish Community |access-date=2 November 2016 |archive-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025185301/http://www.rhc.org.uk/ |url-status=live }} officially opened in a solemn public ceremony, packed to capacity with dignitaries, led by the Chief Rabbi Hermann Adler. Reading Hebrew Congregation, which still stands on its original site at the junction of Goldsmid Road and Clifton Street near the town centre, is a Grade II-listed building, built to a traditional design in the Moorish style. The community is affiliated with the Orthodox United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. Reading also has a Liberal Jewish community which convenes in the Reading Quaker Meeting House,{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/re |title=Reading Liberal Jewish Community |publisher=Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues |access-date=23 August 2013 |archive-date=17 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217065909/http://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/re/ |url-status=live }} a Modern Orthodox Judaism community, an active Jewish Society for students at the university, as well as being served by a Reform Jewish community which convenes in nearby Maidenhead Synagogue.{{cite web |url=http://www.maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk/ |title=Maidenhead Synagogue |publisher=Maidenhead Reform Synagogue |access-date=23 August 2013 |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729013931/http://www.maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}

There are presently three mosques in Reading, initially just having the Central Reading Mosque on Waylen Street.{{cite web |url=http://www.centralreadingmosque.com/ |title=Central Jamme Mosque, Reading |publisher=Bangladesh Association Greater Reading |access-date=29 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519044813/http://www.centralreadingmosque.com/ |archive-date=19 May 2009 |url-status=usurped}} The £3–4m Abu Bakr Islamic Centre, on Oxford Road in West Reading, was granted planning permission in 2002. The community-funded project began construction in 2007,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Construction Beginning Date|url=http://www.abmreading.org/page/vision-and-mission|access-date=1 February 2021|website=|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301070437/http://abmreading.org/page/vision-and-mission|url-status=live}} and opened its doors in July 2013 - the holy month of Ramadan for this year.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Opening Date|url=http://www.abmreading.org/page/vision-and-mission|access-date=1 February 2021|website=|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301070437/http://abmreading.org/page/vision-and-mission|url-status=live}} A second Islamic centre in eastern Reading has also been granted planning permission.{{cite news|url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/reading/articles/2009/05/19/38559-green-road-mosque-deal-signed/|title=Green Road mosque deal signed|work=Reading Chronicle|publisher=Berkshire Media Group|access-date=18 November 2010|date=19 May 2009|first=Adam|last=Hewitt|archive-date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719122916/http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/reading/articles/2009/05/19/38559-green-road-mosque-deal-signed/|url-status=live}} This £4m project has garnered some controversy.{{cite news|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2025918_mosque_fears_aired_on_factual_website_|title=Green Road Mosque Controversy|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=18 November 2010|archive-date=3 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303051644/http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2025918_mosque_fears_aired_on_factual_website_|url-status=live}} Reading also has places of worship of other religions: the Shantideva Mahayana Buddhist centre,{{cite web |url=http://www.learntomeditate.org/centre.htm |title=About Shantideva Buddhist centre |publisher=Shantideva Buddhist centre |access-date=1 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205210806/http://learntomeditate.org/centre.htm |archive-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=dead }} a Hindu temple,{{cite web | url = http://www.readinghindutemple.com/ | title = Reading Hindu Temple | publisher = Reading Hindu Temple | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-date = 1 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120301073527/http://www.readinghindutemple.com/ | url-status = live }} a Sikh gurdwara,{{cite web | url = http://www.rvadirectory.org.uk/org/sirigurusinghsabhagu | title = Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara | publisher = Reading Voluntary Action | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131103091232/http://rvadirectory.org.uk/org/sirigurusinghsabhagu | archive-date = 3 November 2013 | url-status = dead }} a Salvation Army citadel,{{cite web | url = http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf/0/F231C93491B1589780256F9C0053EB19?Opendocument | title = The Salvation Army – Reading Central | publisher = The Salvation Army United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120623074628/http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf/0/F231C93491B1589780256F9C0053EB19?Opendocument | archive-date = 23 June 2012 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} a Quaker meeting house,{{cite web | url = http://www.midthamesquakers.org.uk/local-meetings/reading | title = Reading – Mid-Thames Quakers | publisher = SugarCat Publishing | access-date = 30 March 2012 | archive-date = 19 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120219084848/http://www.midthamesquakers.org.uk/local-meetings/reading | url-status = live }} and a Christadelphian Hall.{{cite web | url = https://www.readingchristadelphians.org/ | title = Reading Christadelphians | publisher = Reading Christadelphians | access-date = 19 February 2024}}

{{Main|Sport in Reading, Berkshire}}

File:Madejski Stadium aerial, August 2014 (cropped).jpg, home of Reading Football Club]]

File:Millenium Madejski Hotel.jpg

File:Reading Half Marathon in 2004.jpg climbing Russell Street in West Reading]]

Reading is the home of Reading Football Club, an association football club nicknamed The Royals, formed in 1871.{{cite web|title=The History of Reading Football Club|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10306~122791,00.html|publisher=Reading Football Club|access-date=13 June 2011|date=2 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204044927/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0%2C%2C10306~122791%2C00.html|archive-date=4 February 2010}} Formerly nicknamed 'The Biscuitmen'{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Biscuitmen Nickname|url=https://www.vintagefootballers.com/biscuits-royals-reading-football-club/|access-date=1 February 2021|website=|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122192406/https://www.vintagefootballers.com/biscuits-royals-reading-football-club/|url-status=live}} and based at Elm Park, the club plays at the 24,161 capacity{{cite web|title=Madejski Stadium information|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10306~418118,00.html|publisher=Reading Football Club|access-date=14 April 2011|date=4 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507041941/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/Stadium/0%2C%2C10306~418118%2C00.html|archive-date=7 May 2011}} Select Car Leasing Stadium, first named after chairman Sir John Madejski which opened in 1998, and later renamed "Select Car Leasing Stadium"{{Cite news |date=16 July 2021 |title=Reading's Madejski Stadium renamed Select Car Leasing Stadium |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-57860294 |access-date=4 June 2023}} in 2021, after a sponsor. After winning the 2005–06 Football League Championship with a record of 106 points, Reading spent two seasons in the Premier League before being relegated to The Championship.{{cite web|title=Nicky Shorey doubts Reading FC's '106' record will be beaten|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2053830_nicky_shorey_doubts_reading_fcs_106_record_will_be_beaten|work=Reading Post|publisher=Surrey & Berkshire Media|access-date=10 June 2011|date=8 July 2009|first=Jonny|last=Fordham|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125174039/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2053830_nicky_shorey_doubts_reading_fcs_106_record_will_be_beaten|url-status=live}} For the 2012–2013 season, the club again competed in the Premier League, after securing first place in the Championship in the 2011–2012 season, but were relegated back down to the Championship at season's end.{{cite news|title=Reading promotion meant to be, says Brian McDermott|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17751181|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|location=London|access-date=1 June 2012|date=17 April 2012|archive-date=20 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420045055/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17751181|url-status=live}} Reading Town Football Club, formed in 1966,{{cite web|title=Reading Town News Season 2010/11|url=http://www.hellenicleague.co.uk/archive/10_11/reading.html|publisher=Uhlsport Hellenic Football League|access-date=11 January 2012|date=14 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107023344/http://hellenicleague.co.uk/archive/10_11/reading.html|archive-date=7 November 2012|url-status=dead}} played at Scours Lane and were playing in the Hellenic League Premier Division but were dissolved in 2016, while fellow non-league football club Reading City Football Club now play at Scours Lane after moving from Palmer Park Stadium at the end of the 2015–16 season. Scours Lane was also renamed to Rivermoor Stadium in 2016.

Reading is home to three senior semi-professional rugby clubs: Reading Abbey RFC, Rams RFC and Reading RFC. The Reading Rockets are the town's semi-professional basketball team. They compete in the second tier English Basketball League Division 1, though they have tried several times in recent years to move up to the top tier British Basketball League. They play home games at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, and are coached by Samit Nuruzade. In 2016–17 the club embarked on an 18-game winning streak. During the 24-25 Season, They were able to win 3 out of the 4 available Domestic Trophies. The town hosts Australian Rules football team Reading Kangaroos and American football team Berkshire Renegades. Palmer Park Stadium has a velodrome and athletics track. It is used by Reading Athletic Club{{cite web|title=How to Join|url=http://www.readingac.com/joining.html|publisher=Reading Athletic Club|access-date=25 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715162311/http://www.readingac.com/joining.html|archive-date=15 July 2011|url-status=dead}} and the Berkshire Renegades for training.{{cite web|title=About us|url=http://www.renegadesafc.com/aboutus.php|publisher=Berkshire Renegades American Football Club|access-date=12 June 2011|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515235340/http://www.renegadesafc.com/aboutus.php|archive-date=15 May 2009}} Reading Hockey Club enter teams in both the Men's and Women's England Hockey Leagues.

Rowing is pursued by the Reading Rowing Club and the Reading University Boat Club,{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://www.readinguniversityboatclub.co.uk/|publisher=Reading University Boat Club|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-date=29 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229225121/http://www.readinguniversityboatclub.co.uk/|url-status=live}} both next to Caversham Bridge, whilst Reading Blue Coat School trains at Sonning adjacent to the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake in Caversham, which provides training facilities for the Great Britain National Squad.{{cite news|title=Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2006/05/04/redgrave_pinsent_rowing_lake_feature.shtml|work=BBC News|access-date=10 June 2011|archive-date=28 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228072240/http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2006/05/04/redgrave_pinsent_rowing_lake_feature.shtml|url-status=live}} However, almost all club rowing is done on the River Thames. The annual Reading Town Regatta takes place near Thames Valley Park,{{cite web|title=find|url=http://www.rtr-tvp.co.uk/how-to-find-us.htm|publisher=Reading Town Regatta|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430115309/http://www.rtr-tvp.co.uk/how-to-find-us.htm|archive-date=30 April 2011|url-status=dead}} with the Reading Amateur Regatta taking place in June, usually two weeks before the Henley Royal Regatta. The town was home to a motorcycle speedway team, Reading Racers. Speedway came to Reading in 1968 at Tilehurst Stadium, until the team moved to Smallmead Stadium in Whitley,{{cite web|title=Tears and Glory|url=http://www.readingspeedway.com/tearsandglory.html|publisher=Reading Speedway|access-date=13 June 2011|archive-date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715161716/http://www.readingspeedway.com/tearsandglory.html|url-status=usurped}} which was demolished at the end of 2008. The team is inactive pending the building of a new stadium, which was once hoped to be completed in 2012.{{cite news|title=Work extension to start new Reading stadium|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-10658210|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=13 June 2011|date=16 July 2010|archive-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313223713/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-10658210|url-status=live}} The Reading Racers reformed in 2016 and joined the new Southern Developmental League upon its formation in 2017 winning its inaugural season undefeated. The team started back up in Eastbourne and currently races in Swindon awaiting return to a track in Reading.

The Reading Half Marathon is held on the streets of Reading in March of each year, with 16,000 competitors from elite to fun runners.{{cite web | title = Reading Half Marathon 2010 Race Info | url = http://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/race_info/halfmarathon.htm | publisher = Reading Half Marathon | access-date = 22 March 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110910130533/http://www.readinghalfmarathon.com/race_info/halfmarathon.htm | archive-date = 10 September 2011 | df = dmy-all }} It was first run in 1983 and has taken place in every subsequent year except 2001, when it was cancelled because of concerns over that year's outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, 2018, when it was cancelled on the morning of the race due to heavy overnight snowfall, and 2020, when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|title=Reading half marathon 2011 'will be biggest yet'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-12783429|work=BBC News|location=London|access-date=10 June 2011|date=18 March 2011|archive-date=15 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515005229/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-12783429|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/reading-half-marathon-2018-has-been-cancelled/ |title=Reading Half Marathon 2018 cancelled due to heavy snowfall |first=Khadija |last=Taboada |work=InYourArea |date=18 March 2018 |access-date=25 March 2018 |archive-date=25 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325190954/https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/reading-half-marathon-2018-has-been-cancelled/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Reading half marathon 2020 cancelled|url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/18694976.reading-half-marathon-2020-cancelled/|work=Reading Chronicle|publisher=Reading Chronicle|location=Reading|access-date=7 October 2020|date=3 September 2020|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903233729/https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/18694976.reading-half-marathon-2020-cancelled/|url-status=live}} The British Triathlon Association was formed at the town's former Mall health club on 11 December 1982.{{cite web |title=British Triathlon Celebrates 25th Anniversary |url=http://www.www.britishtriathlon.org/triathlonengland/news/article.php?id=9525 |publisher=Triathlon |access-date=10 June 2011 |date=11 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706161234/http://www.britishtriathlon.org/triathlonengland//news/article.php?id=9525 |archive-date=6 July 2010 |url-status=dead }} Britain's first ever triathlon took place just outside Reading at Kirtons's Farm in Pingewood in 1983 and was revived 10 years' later by Banana Leisure with one of the original organisers as Event Director.{{cite web |title=History of triathlon |url=http://www.britishtriathlonmedia.org/history-of-triathlon |publisher=British Triathlon |access-date=10 June 2011 |archive-date=11 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911063159/http://www.britishtriathlonmedia.org/history-of-triathlon}} Thames Valley Triathletes, based in the town, is Britain's oldest triathlon club, having its origins in the 1984 event at nearby Heckfield, when a relay team raced under the name Reading Triathlon Club.{{cite news|title=Triathlon's coming home... to Reading|url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/sportsextra/articles/2010/01/13/44172-triathlons-coming-home-to-reading/|work=Reading Chronicle|publisher=Berkshire Media Group|access-date=10 June 2011|date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929022801/http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/sportsextra/articles/2010/01/13/44172-triathlons-coming-home-to-reading/|archive-date=29 September 2011|url-status=dead}} The Hexagon was home to snooker's Grand Prix tournament, one of the sport's "Big Four", from 1984 to 1994.{{cite web|title=Snooker Legends|url=http://www.readingtownhall.co.uk/thehexagon/whatson/event.asp?id=SX355A-A7819F55|work=Reading Arts|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=10 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125173612/http://www.readingtownhall.co.uk/thehexagon/whatson/event.asp?id=SX355A-A7819F55|archive-date=25 November 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Snooker: A vacuum at the Hexagon before Taylor stages a clean sweep|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker-a-vacuum-at-the-hexagon-before-taylor-stages-a-clean-sweep-1557181.html|work=The Independent|location=UK|access-date=10 June 2011|date=13 October 1992|archive-date=25 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125164509/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker-a-vacuum-at-the-hexagon-before-taylor-stages-a-clean-sweep-1557181.html|url-status=dead}}

{{main|List of people from Reading, Berkshire}}

{{See also|Category:People from Reading, Berkshire}}

{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in England}}

Reading is twinned with:{{cite web|title=Town twinning|url=https://www.reading.gov.uk/towntwinning|website=reading.gov.uk|publisher=Reading Borough Council|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=17 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917032000/https://www.reading.gov.uk/towntwinning|url-status=dead}}

• Düsseldorf, Germany (since 1947, officially since 1988)
• Clonmel, Ireland (since 1994)
• San Francisco Libre, Nicaragua (since 1994)
• Speightstown, Barbados (since 2003)

Though not twinned with Reading, two suburbs of the New Zealand city of Dunedin — Caversham and Forbury — were named after places in and around Reading by early New Zealand settler and Reading native William Henry Valpy.

{{Portal|Berkshire|England|United Kingdom|Politics|Geography}}

• List of administrative counties and county boroughs of England by population in 1971
• List of college towns
• List of conservation areas in England
• List of English districts
• List of non-US places that have a US place named after them
• List of towns in England
• List of unitary authorities of England
• 2020 Reading stabbings
• Murder of Emily Salvini
• Reading power station

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book | last=Cameron | first=Kenneth | title=English Place Names | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FkYOAAAAQAAJ | year=1961 | publisher=Taylor & Francis | location=Oxford, UK | access-date=27 February 2016 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005856/https://books.google.com/books?id=FkYOAAAAQAAJ | url-status=live }}
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• {{cite book | last=Sowan | first=Adam | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ywOhpoq0tKsC | title=Abattoirs Road to Zinzan Street | year=2004 | publisher=Two Rivers Press | location=Reading, UK | isbn=978-1-901677-36-2 | access-date=27 February 2016 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115010404/https://books.google.com/books?id=ywOhpoq0tKsC | url-status=live }}
• {{cite book | last=Waters | first=Laurence | title=Reading | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PTSZAAAACAAJ | series=Rail Centres | year=1990 | publisher=Ian Allan | location=Shepperton, UK | isbn=978-0-7110-1937-9 | access-date=27 February 2016 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115010404/https://books.google.com/books?id=PTSZAAAACAAJ | url-status=live }}
• {{cite book | last=Wykes | first=Alan | title=Reading | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KhkhAAAAMAAJ | year=1970 | publisher=Macmillan | location=London | isbn=9780333061190 | access-date=7 September 2017 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115010404/https://books.google.com/books?id=KhkhAAAAMAAJ | url-status=live }}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|Reading, Berkshire}}

{{Wikivoyage|Reading (Berkshire)}}

{{Wikinews|Three killed, three others injured in stabbing attack in Reading, UK}}

• [http://www.reading.gov.uk/ Reading Borough Council]

{{Reading, Berkshire}}

{{Berkshire}}

{{SE England}}

{{Unitary authorities of England}}

{{London commuter belt}}

{{Viking Invasion of England}}

{{Authority control}}

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Category:Towns in Berkshire

Category:Kennet and Avon Canal

Category:Local authorities adjoining the River Thames

Category:Districts of Berkshire

Category:Populated places established in the 8th century

Category:Populated places on the River Thames

Category:Unitary authority districts of England

Category:Unparished areas in Berkshire

Category:Boroughs in England

Category:Former civil parishes in Berkshire