Abbey Gateway, Medieval gateway in Reading, England
Abbey Gateway is a medieval gate in Reading with Gothic design features dating back to the monastery era. The structure has two levels: a porter's lodge at ground level and a larger upper chamber above the passage, which was later used for different purposes.
The gateway was built as part of Reading Abbey founded in 1121 and marked the boundary between public spaces and private monastic areas. After the monastery closed during the Reformation, the building was converted for use by the local community.
The gateway served different purposes over centuries after the monastery closed. It became a school building for young women and later adapted to other community uses, showing how such structures transformed with changing times.
The gateway is accessible today through guided visits arranged via Reading Museum, which provide access to the upper chambers. Check museum opening times before planning your visit, as access depends on scheduled tours and special exhibitions.
The gateway holds 24 medieval stone carvings embedded in its walls, showing dragons and foxes carved with skill by craftsmen of the time. Among these sculptures is a figure added in later years depicting Hugh Faringdon, the last abbot of the monastery.
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