Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock, Local history museum in Reading, England
The Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock is a local history museum in Reading that occupies two former waterworks buildings: the Screen House and the Turbine House, both situated along the River Kennet. The structures contain exhibits about the industrial past and river life in this area.
The buildings were constructed during the Victorian era as part of a waterworks facility, with the Turbine House originally built across the River Kennet and still containing original machinery. These installations were crucial to Reading's water supply and early power generation.
The collection features a Romani caravan built by Dunton and Sons and displays about river life with taxidermied fish and regatta memorabilia. These items reflect how local people connected with the waterway and its traditions over time.
Access to the museum is limited to certain months, so advance planning is important. From here you can walk along a path to Reading Museum through the Abbey Quarter and explore other historic spots.
A medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill was found during excavations at The Oracle shopping centre and is now on display at the museum. This discovery shows how historical layers lie buried beneath Reading's modern buildings.
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