The Architecture of Alfred Waterhouse & Victorian Reading

An exploration of the work of noted Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse, who lived in Reading and designed several of its most prominent buildings.

Type of Walk
Guided tour - learning something new / more talking and less walking

More detail
Alfred Waterhouse was one of the most notable architects of the Victorian period, designing Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum in London. Yet he also lived for a time in Reading and designed some of its key landmarks. This architectural walk will view some of Waterhouse's key works in Reading, including Reading Town Hall (1876), Reading School (1868-74), Sumerleaze House (1875-77), Christ Church Vicarage (1870-72), and the Rising Sun Temperance Tavern (1877). Along the way we will also discuss other key landmarks of Victorian Reading, including Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol, Huntley & Palmers, the Mount and Christ Church. 

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
6 km / 4 miles / 3 hours / medium /  wheelchair accessible with adaptation (pls contact RWF)

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Dr Stephen Gage is a lecturer and BSc Programme Director at University of Reading School of Architecture. He is an architectural historian specialising in the architectural, urban and landscape histories of C19 and early C20 Britain and America.   

Getting there
Queen Victoria statue is a 2 minute walk from Reading Station and close to many Reading Buses routes.
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