The Architecture of Alfred Waterhouse & Victorian 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 view some of Waterhouse's key works in Reading, including Reading Town Hall (1876), Reading School (1868-74), Sumerleaze House (1875-77), Christ Church Vicarage (1870-72), and the Rising Sun Temperance Tavern (1877). Along the way we will also discuss other key landmarks of Victorian Reading, including Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol, Huntley & Palmers, the Mount and Christ Church.
Your Guide: Dr Stephen Gage is an architectural historian at the University of Reading specialising in the architectural, urban and landscape histories of C19 and early C20 Britain and America.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

1000

Location & directions

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

Directions:

Meet outside the Town Hall at the Queen Victoria statue.

Contact on day:

Stephen Gage

Telephone number:

+447551008816

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

pre booking via Eventbrite

Booking contact name:

Stephen Gage

Booking telephone number:

+447551008816

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-architecture-of-alfred-waterhouse-in-reading-tickets-1992043593011?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

01 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

18 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please note this is a walking intensive tour; there will be frequent stops to discuss buildings but not many places to sit and no loos available. All locations will be exterior (no interiors on tour). Additional information - Tour will finish at The Rising Sun pub on Castle Street in the town centre.

Additional information

Max number of people:

18

Estimated duration:

2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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