Georgian Reading: Berkshire’s Bath Spa
Heritage Open Days 2022
To quote Leading Classical Architect Quinlan Terry: "I never knew it (Reading) had so many good buildings!”
Come to see what is hidden in clear sight...
Back in 2018 Reading Civic Society members visited the Bath Preservation Trust. This was to meet, and learn from, their members. We also went to wander around the highlights of Bath Spa, including some of its former industrial buildings.
Following the visit long standing member Prof John Missenden was seized by not only how important the buildings of Bath are but that Reading has many great Georgian buildings too. John felt that we, the owners and the Council, do not value them in the same way as they would be if in Bath. These great buildings are hidden in clear sight.
He decided to develop a fully illustrated presentation about Reading, Berkshire’s Bath Spa.
This was initially shown at Reading Civic Society meetings as a rolling slide show. Only in 2022 did John develop this presentation into the talk which will be given today.
Booking is required via Eventbrite. Arrive from 1800, with talk starting at 1830.
Max 60 people per tour/session. 90 minutes
The presenter:
Prof Missenden began his interest in Reading's heritage in 1976, joining the Civic Society because of the threat to Watlington Street's St John's church. He participated in that and other successful campaigns, becoming responsible for planning comments and both spot listing and the major re-survey of listed buildings in the late '70s. His day job in the School of Architecture and Urban Engineering at London South Bank University included studies in adapting historic buildings. He completed his career there as Professor of Engineering Systems.
The venue:
Entry via the double gates opposite 71 South Street. No entrance via Watlington House.
Unfortunately there is not wheelchair access to the Garden Hall, nor are the toilets wheelchair accessible. There is meter parking in South Street. The venue is a short walking distance from the centre of town. There are buses which stop on nearby Queens Road. We may be able to provide Teas/ Coffees and soft drinks.
