Greyfriars Church, Reading

Greyfriars Church is a medieval stone structure located in central Reading, featuring a three-bay nave with buttresses and segmental headed windows across its exterior walls. The building displays typical medieval architectural elements with solid construction and distinctive window designs.

Franciscan friars established this church in 1301 after relocating from their original site due to flooding. The religious community was expelled in 1538 during the dissolution, though the church building itself survived.

The church functions as an evangelical Anglican place of worship within the Diocese of Oxford, where the local community regularly gathers for services and meetings. It remains a central religious meeting point in Reading's daily life.

The church is located on Friar Street in central Reading and welcomes visitors interested in exploring its architecture. Regular services run during the week, so checking opening times beforehand helps ensure access to the interior.

The building represents one of the most complete surviving examples of Franciscan architecture in England and holds a rare place in church history. It continues to operate as the oldest Franciscan church site still in active use across the United Kingdom.

Location: Reading

Inception: 14 century

Website: http://greyfriars.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.45677,-0.97653

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01