Opening the door to Reading's hidden history
Richard Cutcher • Published 7 Aug 2011 17:00
0 Comments
Share this
See also:
ONE of Reading's hidden treasures with a mysterious history in law, medicine and hat-making will be open for public exploration during next month's Heritage Open Days.
Rowberry Morris Solicitors in Castle Street has been involved in the event since 1997 and attracts people eager to learn a little more about one of the town's most distinctive properties.
Doors open on Saturday, September 10, from 9.15am-4.30pm and visitors will enjoy free, exclusive access to a number of rooms including a first floor bedroom where a wooden beam still bears the original joiner's trademark.
John Saunders, 68, worked for Rowberry Morris from 1970-2008 and oversaw the move into Castle Street in 1971. He has co-ordinated the company's participation for every one of the 14 years.
Still running the show, Mr Saunders said: "I guess I talked myself into it in the first year but have done it ever since.
"I know the ropes and I see it as my own little project. Since retiring, I have been able to put a bit more time into it and find out more information about the old place.
"It is a tough job with a lot of dead ends but it is very interesting and worthwhile."
Before Rowberry Morris moved into the building it had been used as a surgery from 1936-1966 by Dr Eric MacLachlan, who was also associated with the first kidney transplant.
A milliner and costumer, Ethel Marie Ruse, lived and did business in the property from 1925 and there are several stories of ghostly behaviour, although Mr Saunders is unconvinced.
The firm is encouraging people to drop in on September 10 to discuss theories of how the building may have previously looked and what it was used for.
Mr Saunders added: "It has been from meeting and talking to people on these open days that has often given us new leads.
"It can really bring the place to life."
Heritage Open Days, co-ordinated locally by Reading UK CIC and sponsored by The Chronicle, will run from Thursday, September 8, to Sunday, September 11, and will see buildings of architectural, cultural, historical and social interest open their doors for free providing lectures, exhibitions and tours.
To keep up to date with Heritage Open Days and who is taking part visit www.facebook.com/ ReadingHeritageOpen Days
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 04 Aug 11
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
