Reading (/ˈrɛdɪŋ/ (listen) RED-ing) is a large, historic market
town in Berkshire, South East England. Situated in the Thames Valley
at the confluence of the rivers Thames and Kennet, it is on the Great
Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway. Reading is 70 miles
(110 km) east of Bristol, 25 miles (40 km) south of Oxford, 40 miles
(64 km) west of London, 14 miles (23 km) north of Basingstoke, 12
miles (19 km) south-west of Maidenhead and 15 miles (24 km) east of
Newbury.The first evidence for Reading as a town dates from the 8th
century. It was an important trading and ecclesiastical centre in the
medieval period, as the site of Reading Abbey, one of the largest and
richest monasteries of medieval England with strong royal connections,
of which the 12th-century abbey gateway and significant ancient ruins
remain. By 1525, Reading was the largest town in Berkshire, and tax
returns show that Reading was the 10th largest town in England when
measured by taxable wealth. The medieval town was seriously affected
by the English Civil War, with a major siege and loss of trade, and
played a pivotal role in the Revolution of 1688, with that
revolution's only significant military action fought on the streets of
the town. The 18th century saw the beginning of a major iron works in
the town and the growth of the brewing trade for which Reading was to
become famous. The 19th century saw the coming of the Great Western
Railway and the development of the town's brewing, baking and seed
growing businesses. During that period, the town grew rapidly as a
manufacturing centre.Reading is a major commercial centre, with
involvement in information technology and insurance, and despite its
proximity to London, has a net inward commuter flow. It is ranked the
UK's top economic area for economic success and wellbeing, according
to factors such as employment, health, income and skills. Reading is
also a major regional retail centre serving a large area of the Thames
Valley, and is home to the University of Reading. Every year it hosts
the Reading Festival, one of England's biggest music festivals.
Sporting teams based in Reading include Reading Football Club, Reading
City F.C. and London Irish rugby union team, and over 15,000 runners
annually compete in the Reading Half Marathon. Reading, Berkshire Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter