Reading Abbey Ruins

Reading Abbey Ruins were founded in 1121 by Henry I as England's principal Cluniac house. The extensive complex originally stretched from the Plummery Wall to the Kennet and from St Laurence’s to the east side of the Gaol. The abbey was constructed from Caen stone, quarry flint, and Taynton stone.

Archaeological investigation reveals that the abbey followed mainstream Norman architectural styles, featuring an apse and apsidal transept chapels. Vaulting may have been present, which, if confirmed, would have been remarkable. Surviving fragments are largely a rubble core, almost entirely stripped of facing stone, and are primarily located south of St James's Roman Catholic School. These remnants include sections of the north and south transepts, the chapter house (resembling that at Durham), the west wall of the Dorter, and the rere-dorter.

Separate listings cover the fragmentary remains within the Forbury Gardens and a further section of wall extending towards Abbey Street behind Abbey Wall. The Gatehouse and Hospitium are also listed separately.

Reading Abbey is now particularly significant for its Romanesque sculpture. Fragments have been found as far away as Shiplake and are incorporated in walls throughout Reading. Numerous carved stones are located in the Forbury Gardens. The carved fragments likely date from around 1130, probably no later than 1136 (when Henry I was buried in the chancel). Notable examples, many excavated in the 1950s and likely from a cloister, are now held in Reading Museum, with some previously on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The excavated cloister capitals include the earliest known depiction of the Coronation of the Virgin and one featuring two bearded angels. Decorative fragments comprise masks, chevron, and beakhead, possibly its earliest use in England. A stone with interlace is currently used as a font in St James’ RC Church.