Reading Abbey has been part of the town’s story for more than 900 years, making it one of the most fascinating historic sites to explore in the area.
Founded by King Henry I in 1121, the royal monastery became one of the largest monasteries in Europe and an important religious and royal centre.
Henry I was later buried here in 1136, making Reading Abbey his final resting place.
Today, the Abbey Quarter brings together the former grounds of Reading Abbey, the impressive Abbey Ruins, the Abbey Gateway, Forbury Gardens and Reading Museum.
Being less than an hour’s drive from Easthampstead Park Hotel, it’s a great option for guests looking to discover more of Berkshire’s history during their stay.
Read on to explore 900 years of history and find out what you can see during a visit.
What is the Reading Abbey Quarter?
The Reading Abbey Quarter sits in the heart of Reading and covers the former grounds of the royal monastery founded by King Henry I.
Once one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, Reading Abbey played an important role in the development of the town.
Monks lived and worked here for more than 400 years, while royal funerals, weddings and important meetings were also held at the Abbey.
Thousands of pilgrims visited the site during its medieval heyday.
Today, the Abbey Quarter allows visitors to explore different parts of this historic area, from the Abbey Ruins and Abbey Gateway to Forbury Gardens and the nearby Reading Museum.
What to see at Reading Abbey
There is plenty to explore around the Abbey Quarter, even though much of the original monastery no longer survives.
The Abbey Ruins are among the most impressive remains.
You can see parts of the south transept, treasury, chapter house, dormitory, necessarium and refectory.
The chapter house is particularly impressive and is the most complete room within the ruins.
The Abbey Ruins are both a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Monument, helping to protect what remains of this important historic site.
As you explore, you can also spot the mill arch over the Holy Brook, which is the remaining part of what was once the Abbey mill.
The history of Reading Abbey
The history of Reading’s royal abbey begins in the early 12th century.
In 1121, King Henry I announced plans for a new abbey in Reading.
Construction began on a magnificent monastery between the River Kennet and River Thames, with a large church and living quarters for dozens of monks.
Henry I died before the Abbey was completed and was buried there in 1136 in front of the high altar.
His burial place helped establish the Abbey as an important royal and noble burial site.
The monastery continued to grow for centuries, with building work lasting almost 200 years after its original foundation.
The Abbey’s story eventually changed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
In 1539, Henry VIII ordered the closure of Reading Abbey, bringing more than 400 years of monastic life to an end.
Although much of the monastery was later destroyed, parts of the original complex survived and can still be explored today.
Visit the Abbey Gateway
The Abbey Gateway is another important part of the Reading Abbey Quarter.
This Grade I listed historic gateway once separated the more public areas of the Abbey from the private precinct where the monks lived.
The gateway also has a fascinating connection to Jane Austen. In 1785, she and her sister Cassandra attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School, which used the gateway as part of the school.
The gateway was badly damaged when it collapsed during a storm in 1861 before being substantially rebuilt by Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Today, visitors can see the gateway as part of organised Abbey Quarter tours, including access to the Victorian schoolroom.
Start at Reading Museum
For anyone wanting to discover the full history of the site, Reading Museum is a good place to begin.
The Story of Reading Gallery explores the town’s history, including the foundation of Reading Abbey by King Henry I and the Abbey’s story through to its closure in 1539.
The museum also contains original objects from the Abbey, medieval stonework and a full sized reconstruction of part of the Abbey cloister.
Starting here before walking through the Abbey Quarter gives you more context for the ruins and helps bring the history of the former monastery to life.
The Abbey Ruins are around a 5 to 10 minute walk from Reading Museum through Forbury Gardens.
Exploring the Abbey Quarter today
You can explore the Abbey Quarter independently using the available map and walking trails, or join a guided walking tour.
The Reading Abbey Quarter tours begin at Reading Museum before continuing outdoors around the historic area.
Along the way, visitors can discover the Abbey Ruins, the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed and the Abbey Gateway.
The wider area also includes Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol and other historic buildings and monuments connected to the story of Reading.
For those who enjoy walking, the St James’ Way also begins in the Abbey Quarter and follows a route connected with medieval pilgrims travelling towards Southampton.
Planning Your Visit To Reading Abbey
A visit to the Reading Abbey Quarter can easily be combined with exploring the wider town centre.
If you have around an hour, you can head straight to the Abbey Ruins and explore the remaining structures using the information panels around the site.
With two hours, you could begin at Reading Museum before walking through Forbury Gardens to the ruins.
For a longer visit, take your time exploring the wider Abbey Quarter, following a walking map and visiting some of Reading’s other historic attractions.
FAQs about Reading Abbey
Is it free to visit Reading Abbey?
Yes. Entry to the Abbey Ruins is free, and they are open daily from dawn until dusk, although they can occasionally close for ticketed events or private hire.
Reading Museum is also free to enter, with a suggested donation of £5 per visitor.
If you want to mention the tours too, you could add:
Can you take a guided tour of Reading Abbey?
Yes. Reading Museum runs regular guided walking tours of the Abbey Quarter, which explore the Abbey Ruins, the Hospitium and the Abbey Gateway.
These tours currently cost £10 per person and include exclusive access to Jane Austen’s school.
How old is Reading Abbey?
Reading Abbey was founded by King Henry I in 1121, meaning the site has more than 900 years of history.
Where is Reading Abbey?
Reading Abbey is located in the Abbey Quarter in the centre of Reading.
The former Abbey grounds include the Abbey Ruins, Abbey Gateway, Forbury Gardens and surrounding historic sites.
Is King Henry I buried at Reading Abbey?
Yes. King Henry I died in 1135 and was buried at Reading Abbey in 1136, in front of the high altar.
Can you visit the Abbey Ruins?
Yes. The Abbey Ruins are open for visitors to explore, with information panels explaining the history of the site.
The ruins are protected as a Scheduled Monument and Grade I listed building.
What can you see at the Abbey Ruins?
The remaining structures include parts of the south transept, treasury, chapter house, dormitory, necessarium and refectory.
Can you visit the Abbey Gateway?
The Abbey Gateway is available as part of organised visits and guided tours. It has no step free access and contains uneven historic steps and floors.
Where should I start when visiting Reading Abbey?
Reading Museum is a good starting point.
Its Story of Reading Gallery provides an introduction to the history of Reading Abbey before you explore the Abbey Quarter and ruins.
How long does it take to explore the Abbey Quarter?
You can see the main Abbey Ruins in around an hour, while allowing two hours gives you time to visit Reading Museum first.
If you have longer, you can explore more of the Abbey Quarter and wider Reading town centre.