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Summary page for Map 2
Friar St. West
2.1 Listed Building, 147 Friar St.
1880s. The unusual feature of this building and a primary reason for it being listed is that its shop front extends over two floors,
with the signage being along the top of the 1st floor.
2.2 Listed Building, 39 Friar St. An outpost from the 18th century along this section of Friar St.
Rare view of the rear of 39 Friar St, taken in May 2021 between the demolition of one large development and the construction of the next.
2.3 Greyfriars Church
Greyfriars originated as a Franciscan friary in the 13th century, about a century after the founding of Reading Abbey. It lasted
as a friary until the Reformation under King Henry VIII, with the friars being expelled in 1538. After that it served a number of
secular purposes until being converted into the current church in the mid-19th century.
The East end of Greyfriars. The listing text says that the chancel was removed after the Reformation and the east chancel
arch blocked, hence the arrangement of brickwork and arch seen in these photos.
Away from the route, but of interest for its name "Old Reading Abbey": this pub sign is on The Butler public house, 200m along Chatham St
across the major roundabout at the West end of Friar St.
