Long to nose around period homes in Reading?

Sally Stevens • Published 6 Sep 2010 09:39 0 Comments

Anyone interested in building design, architecture, period homes and interiors should clear their diaries for the weekend.

From Thursday until Sunday, properties all over the country will throw open their doors and welcome in visitors free of charge.

From follies, contemporary buildings and churches to factories, tunnels, temples, offices, private homes and industrial sites, buildings in Berkshire are taking part in this weekend's Heritage Open Days.

Events include tours, guided walks, exhibitions and drama. The national scheme is supported by English Heritage.

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: "Heritage Open Days this year is set to be even bigger than last year, so even if you are a regular Heritage Open Days-goer there will be something new for you to see and do.

"This is a chance to explore not just country houses but the history and culture of everything from Buddhist temples and Masonic lodges to mines, farms, pubs and factories." A packed programme will celebrate the weekend in Reading including the chance to wander through the communal areas of the Grade II Listed Almshouses at 53 Castle Street on Thursday (September 9) from 11am-2pm.

They were designed by architect William Henry Woodman, once the Borough Surveyor, and built in 1866.

Rowberry Morris is opening its Graded II Listed 16th century premises, at 17 Castle Street, on Saturday from 9.15am-4.30pm.

The timber-framed house, once the Castle Inn, was home to Reading's mayors and a doctor's surgery and has been a solicitors office since 1971. Features include shoe carvings on the beams and diamond chimneys. Visitors can access areas not normally open to the public on a working day.

One of several new venues for Heritage Open Days in Reading this year is Watlington House, at 44 Watlington Street.

This is another Grade II Listed building and the earliest parts date back to medieval times.

Guides will share its fascinating history with visitors on Friday and Saturday from 9am-5pm and free on-site parking is available. Reading School, in Erleigh Road, will offer tours of the architectural features of the 19th century Grade II Listed building and its school chapel on Sunday from 11.30am-1pm and 2-3pm, booking is essential on 0118 901 5600.

Berkshire Record Office, in Coley Avenue, will open its vaults on Saturday from 11am-1pm for a behind-the-scenes tour. Numbers are limited so book your place on 0118 901 5132. Anyone interested in researching the history of their house can find out what documents and maps are available.

Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England's contribution to European Heritage Days, in which 49 countries now participate.

For more on Reading's Heritage Open Days see this week's Reading Chronicle, call 0118 937 2373 or visit www.readingchronicle.co.uk and click on the Heritage Open days button. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk for full details of events across the country.

More details of Heritage Open Days plus a photo quiz in Thursday's Chronicle

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 08 Sep 10

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