History

Timeline

Townhalls

Yield Hall

Greyfriars

Hospitium

New Town Hall

Waterhouse Town Hall

Civic Offices

Reading's Town Halls

From the Middle Ages the Guild had taken a part in running the town of Reading. This importance was increased by the various charters granted to the town. The Guild had to have a place to meet. This was originally the Yield Hall, near the Kennet. However, this was unsuitable and Greyfriars and then the present Town Hall site were used.

In Victorian times, the Town Hall was greatly expanded, and a museum, library and art gallery were added. In the 1970's the Victorian Town Hall became to cramped and new Civic Offices were built.