Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin |
| Hob Uid: 245062 | |
Location :
Reading
Non Civil Parish
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| Grid Ref : SU7141073334 |
| Summary : Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, the oldest ecclesiastical foundation in Reading, is, along with St Lawrence's, one of Reading's ecclesiastical landmarks, largely attributed to its distinctive chequerwork construction of flint and ashlar. It is known that in 979 an Abbey for nuns founded by Queen Elfrida on the Minster site. When the Danes sacked Reading in the 11th century the nuns were driven from their home and the nunnery was left in ruins. The only surviving remains from this period is a round headed Saxon doorway in the north wall. By the time of the Domesday Book, the church had been granted to Battle Abbey by William the Conqueror. In 1121 King Henry I founded Reading Abbey with the Abbot also holding the post of rector of St Mary's. Between 1551 and 1555 the church was extensively restored, using quantities of masonry and timber from the ruins of the Abbey following the dissolution. Further restorations were carried out in 1863 when a new choir aisle was added, 1872, 1935 and 1997-2003. |
More information : [SU 71417334] Ch [T.I.]. (1)
The present church of St. Mary the Virgin, Reading, dates mainly from its re-building between 1550 and 1553 but still retains a 12th century doorway. Restored and enlarged 1863, 1872. (2)
In normal use. (3)
Church of St Mary. Church of England. Like St Lawrence's, a Reading Landmark. Nothing remains of the Norman church except a doorway built into north wall. Hall church with 4-bay aisled nave and projecting chancel. West tower 1550-3 of three stages. South aisle; South arcade ca. 1300. Three-bay chancel (1864), three-bay North aisle (1871 by Joseph Morris). North vestry and polygonal turret on site of a former transept (indicated by roof line). Grade I. (4)
Additional bibliography (5)
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