Reading Abbey was founded in
1121 by Henry I. As one of the wealthiest abbeys in
medieval England it changed the shape of Reading, making it
the most important town in the Thames valley. After the
Dissolution, in 1539, the buildings were used as a stone quarry and
most of them rapidly disappeared. Today you can see the
remaining romantic ruins in the Forbury Gardens. Use the pages
below to learn about the daily life and fascinating
history of this once-splendid Abbey.
