Berkshire History for Kids: St. Giles' Church, Reading

Reading's Country Village

St. Giles' Church in Reading was built in the open fields on the south side of the River Kennet, some way from the early town.

It was probably the chapel for a leper hospital that was latter moved within the walls of Reading Abbey.

The present church was built in the 13th century.

The churchyard & part of Horn Street (Southampton Street) outside was a 'sanctuary'.

A small village grew up around it, including a large mill & one of the first breweries.

In Tudor times, the vicar was a Welshman called John Einion.

During the Civil War, the Royalists in Reading were put under siege by the Parliamentarians. The Parliamentary cannon blew off the church's spire!

It was later given a small slender wooden spire.

In the 18th century St. Giles village became properly part of expanding Reading.

The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1871-3.