Part of Heritage Open Days 2026
This is walking tour is jointly led by Terry Dixon and Jennifer Berdollt.
We'll be looking at Reading from 1485 to 1660, covering the reigns of five Tudor monarchs: Henry VII & VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, & Elizabeth I. to beginning of the Stuart Dynasty (James I & Charles I), into Civil War.
We'll look at how it changed in every way. From food to Social Standing, to spies (the first real head of MI5 lived in Reading). From Protestant to Catholic to Protestant. Houses now had rooms & chimneys. Civil War brought to Reading by Oliver Cromwell. A time of significant changes in religion, politics, and culture.
From Almhouses to Royal palaces, rich merchant's townhouses to the Oracle workhouse, we'll be exploring Tudor life at all levels of society. We'll visit key sites where history unfolded, look at Tudor buildings, and unearth everyday histories of people during this period.
Disclaimer: All information was correct when the listing was prepared. Any questions about the event should be directed to the event organiser.