Reading
One of the richest and most powerful abbeys in England began its life in 1121 in Reading, but little of it remains today. In roman times, Silchester and Dorchester had been the major local centres, with interconnecting roads, but through the dark ages it was safer to travel by river, and by the Norman period Reading became the preferred centre of communications.
With the Kennet joining the Thames at Reading, the town became a major centre for transferring goods by river to and from London, and north to Oxford, and west to Newbury. Wharves which were first known to have existed in Viking times expanded to cope with volumes of timber, grain and especially malt which was in high demand by brewers in London.
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Reading Abbey |
Introduction
Reading
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