Reading, Administrative town in Berkshire, England
Reading is a county town in Berkshire, southeast England, positioned where the River Kennet meets the River Thames. The settlement spreads across both riverbanks, with residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and green spaces defining its layout.
The settlement was first recorded in 871, when King Ethelred and Alfred the Great fought Danish forces at this location. An important abbey was established here in the 12th century, which remained active until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.
The town comes alive every summer with a large music festival that draws tens of thousands of people from different parts of the country. The community is also shaped by the university, whose students influence daily life and help sustain local shops and cafes.
The town lies less than an hour by train from central London, with regular connections throughout the day. Most points of interest sit within walking distance of the railway station, making it easy for visitors to explore the main areas on foot.
A riverside path runs through the town center and offers a quiet route away from traffic. The ruins of a medieval abbey stand not far from the center, where King Henry I was once laid to rest.
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