St Mary's Church, Castle Street, Reading

St Mary's Church is a neoclassical church building in Reading featuring a prominent portico with six Corinthian columns across its facade on Castle Street. The stucco-covered front wall and refined proportions create a formal appearance typical of early 19th-century religious architecture.

The church was established in 1798 when members of St Giles' Church built a new place of worship on the site of Reading's former prison. This relocation created a new religious center in the town's heart.

The building takes its name from the Virgin Mary and serves as a focal point for local worship and community gatherings. Visitors notice how the interior proportions and column arrangements create a sense of dignity and reverence throughout the space.

The church sits centrally in Reading on Castle Street and is easily accessible on foot from the town center. Its straightforward layout and clear proportions make it simple to explore and observe the architectural details.

The building houses an organ built in 1870 by Vowles of Bristol that arrived at this location in 1987. This instrument has traveled before settling in its current place, making it a piece with its own distinct history.

Location: Reading

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.45378,-0.97481

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:22