Hospitium to Workhouse via the Oracle: Social Care and Welfare in Reading from the Middle Ages to 1900

Although modern concepts of “welfare” might have been alien, from the Abbey to the creation of Battle Hospital Reading did provide for housing, “relief” and health care for its people. This presentation by Mike Cooper is a survey of what was done, including the work of the Abbey, almshouses and the Corporation.

Free parking.

Free entry for members, non-members are asked to make a £5 donation towards costs.

Image: Rose and Trev Clough, The Hospitium of St. John south face (CC-BY-SA-2.0)