MYSTERY PLAY 
 

• Most monasteries in towns had a forbury.
• The name means the 'borough in front'.
• It was a large area of open land or sometimes a street.
• It might be inside or outside the abbey walls.
• The monks and the townsfolk could mix freely together here.
• It could be used to hold markets or fairs (annual markets, like May Fairs); or processions and religious celebrations.
• Strolling players might put on 'Mystery Plays' here telling stories from the Bible. 
• The Forbury at Reading is still a public park today.