SINCE July, The Chronicle has been campaigning to save the historic Reading Gaol.

With a history stretching as far back as 1844, the gaol has been home to some notable former inmates, including Oscar Wilde and Anthony Joshua.

As the end of the year approaches, we will be taking a look-back at the campaign, and the efforts of residents to preserve the gaol.

Throughout July, we focused on the LGBT community, news of the gaol's sale; Oscar Wilde; MP Matt Rodda's involvement and Theatre and Arts Reading's plans to convert the gaol into a cultural hub.

Members of the LGBT community, including society members from the University of Reading, wanted to see the gaol saved - Oscar Wilde, who was incarcerated for homosexual 'offences', has since caused the prison to become a ‘mecca’ for the community.

August saw visual artwork, inspired by Oscar Wilde's poem about the gaol, showcased, and campaigners from Save Reading Gaol attending the town's Pride event.

In September, a former inmate, who is now a successful chef, spoke about his vision to see the gaol become a youth centre.

Jon Watts explained how, while in custody, he began working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) which is where he discovered a passion for cooking and changed his life.

October saw the gaol officially being put up for sale by the Ministry of Justice.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The site of the former Reading prison has now been listed for sale.

"We will always seek the best outcome for the taxpayer and the money received from the sale will be invested back into our prisons."

The well-attended 'Reading Gaol Hug' also took place in October.

Hundreds gathered to show their support for the building.

A history of the gaol was presented to readers in November, with its most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde, explored.

The gaol closed in November 1915 and served as an internment centre from 1916 until 1919.

Historic England revealed that in the latter part of the Second World War, it was used as a military prison by the Canadian Army, reopening in 1946 as an overflow prison for men serving short sentences.

It is still unknown what will become of the gaol, but one thing is clear: support from the community to preserve the historic building is widespread.