Reading is rich in history, and a great way to explore its past is through the many commemorative plaques scattered across the town and its environs. These coloured markers tell stories of notable people, places, and events that helped shape Reading’s character—from the homes of influential people and industrial pioneers to sites of social and cultural significance.
All photos have been taken by myself and are free to use under the terms of the CC BY-ND 4.0 licence, basically you are free to use the pictures even commercially but you must attribute.
This is very much a work in progress, and I will add more as and when I come to them, so check back.
Reading’s Commemorative Plaques
Look for this marker on the map to find the plaques.
Commemorative Plaques Featured on the Map
Poet and soldier Wilfred Owen studied botany at what was then the University College, Reading, now University of Reading, from 1911 to 1913.
Probably best known for his The Planets suite, Holst lectured in composition at the University of Reading from 1920 to 1923.
As a pioneer of photography Fox Talbot wanted to commercialise his invention and chose Reading for his base. The Reading Establishment buildings on Baker Street no longer exist but the site is important nevertheless.
You can read more about this plaque and the history behind it here.
Including Austen here seems a bit of a cheat given that she only spent 18 months at the school in Abbey Gate before the moeny ran out but attend she did.
You can read about Abbey Gate and its past life as Jane Austen’s school here.
Huntley House, 119, London Street
At the top of London Street is a very modern looking building which is the site of the original Huntley shop before he partnered with George Palmer.
The People’s Pantry memorial, Town Hall Square
On 10 February 1943 four bombs were dropped on Reading. The final one in Town Hall Square brining down the front of Blandy and Blandy solicitors and damaging St Laurence’s Church. You can still see the pock marks on the front of the church.
Joseph Huntley, 21 Christchurch Road
Founder in 1822 of what was to become Huntley & Palmer’s Biscuits, Joseph Huntley lived in this modest house at the beginning of Christchurch Road.
The next three plaques are all very close together on the Caversham Road.
David Barnes, Caversham Road Fire Station
David Barnes, and Neil Goldsmith, died after going into the building in Elgar Road, Reading, to fight a fire on 15 September 1977. There is a plaque to Goldsmith at Wokingham fire station.
Blessed Dominic Barberi, Caversham Road
Blessed Dominic Barberi was an Italian theologian and Passionist priest, who played a significant role in spreading Catholicism in England. Seems to have died in Reading almost by accident as he was only passing through.
Bucklers Engineers and Car Makers, 67 Caversham Road
Buckler Cars produced approximately 400 cars between 1947 and 1962 at their Caversham Road site. Cars could be bought complete or in kit form, perhaps the first to do so.
John Cook, The Oracle
Tribute to John Cook who got a bridge over the canal named after him.
Alfred Waterhouse, Foxhill House, University of Reading
Waterhouse, famed architect of the Natural History Museum in London designed many buildings in Reading and lived in Foxhill House now on the university campus.
You can find more plaques from the wider Reading area on the Reading Civic Society website.