Welcome to the History of Reading Society

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We are based in Reading, Berkshire, England, and we are interested in all aspects of the history of our town.

The Society was founded in 1978 by a group of enthusiasts anxious to keep the history of Reading alive and before the public. Our object is to cultivate an interest in the History of Reading and the surrounding area and to bring together a collection of artefacts and documents which shall be made available to future generations. These are to be placed in a recognised local repository.

Currently, we are meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at the Abbey Baptist Church (behind Reading Central library). Doors and Zoom open at 7.15 pm and talks start at 7.30 pm. In August we have no meeting and June and July’s meetings are outings (circumstances permitting) and are only available to paid up members. From December to February, our meetings are held on Zoom and are only available to paid up members.

We welcome new members to our Society, no special knowledge is required, just an interest in the area and its inhabitants past and present. Visitors are welcome to our physical meetings for a small fee per meeting attended. Unfortunately, we are unable to have visitors at our Zoom meetings.

​Meetings are advertised on Facebook, and other social media listings.