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The Architecture of Alfred Waterhouse in Reading

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

  • 15 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

A walking tour of prolific Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse's works in Reading, led by Waterhouse expert Dr Stephen Gage, Lecturer in Architecture at University of Reading.

Alfred Waterhouse was one of the most notable architects of the Victorian period, designing Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum in London. Yet he also lived for a time in Reading and designed some of its key landmarks. This architectural walk will encompass these key works, including Reading Town Hall (1876), Reading School (1868-74), St Batholomew’s Church (1880) and Waterhouse’s own house at Whiteknights, Foxhill (1867). Please note the walk will finish at Whiteknights campus! Buses are available to return to the town centre.

Guide: Dr Stephen Gage is a lecturer and BSc Programme Director at University of Reading School of Architecture. He is an architectural historian specialising in the architectural, urban and landscape histories of C19 and early C20 Britain and America.

Timings & Tours

Monday 15 September:
1700 - 1900

Location & directions

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Directions:
Please meet outside Reading Town Hall by the Queen Victoria statue.
Contact on day:
Stephen Gage
Telephone number:
+447551008816

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Please book through Eventbrite.
Booking website:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-architecture-of-alfred-waterhouse-in-reading-tickets-1459749884199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Accessibility details

Majority of walk will be exterior locations. The tour may also include interior locations (TBC), full wheelchair access might not be available.

Additional information

Please note this is a walking intensive tour, there will be minimal points to stop and loos not available. The tour will finish at University of Reading Whiteknights campus; buses are available to return to town centre, but not included in the tour.

Max no of people per tour:
15
Est. tour duration:
2 hour(s)

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