Reading Abbey

Although King Henry I died in France, his body was taken to England and he was buried in front of the High Altar at Reading Abbey.

Reading Abbey was consecrated by Archbishop Thomas a Becket but was destroyed in 1538 - during the reign of King Henry VIII (Dissolution of the Monasteries).  Today, the Abbey lies in the centre of Reading (a ruined abbey) rubble of walls, gateway and hospitium intact.

There is a plaque commemorating King Henry I’s burial.

Many important events took place at Reading Abbey including the wedding of John of Gaunt (English Prince) and Blanche of Lancaster in 1359; the Abbey held many clerics including the hand of St James.  The abbey’s last abbot, Hugh Cook Farringdon, was accused of high treason and hanged, drawn and quartered during the reign of King Henry VIII. Hugh Cook Farringdon was declared a martyr by Pope Leo X111 in 1895; feast day 15th November.  There is a memorial plaque at English Martyrs Church, Liebenrood, Reading.

Trains leave from Paddington Station, London to Reading every 15 minutes and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes – fastest train 21 minutes. It is an 8-minute walk from Reading train station to Reading Abbey Ruins.