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The building stones of Reading Town Centre ISBN 978-1-904898-02-3 22 pages with 16 figures and 4 colour plates. A field guide showing and explaining all the lovely building stones of Reading Town Centre - a circular walk from the Butts up Broad Street to the Forbury, the Abbey and back up Friar and West Street. Local stone and some from far-flung exotic places. The walk takes you from the Saxon town centre to the Saxon rubbish dump, and covers everything from building and demolishing Medieval abbeys to the effect of opening the canal and railway on the building styles. Shopping will never be the same again!
To order: please send a cheque for £2.50 made out to 'Dr J. Eyers' to 13 Pusey Way, Lane End, Bucks, HP14 3LG. Your book will be sent out immediately, post and packing is included in the price. (This price is reduced from £4.50 as some shops have changed their names - Woolworths for instance - which need an update. But still wonderful rocks!). Queries? Then write to the above address or e-mail: jee8@tutor.open.ac.uk  The
fountain opposite St Mary's Church.
Typical Victorian fountain using a variety of rocks (Peterhead Granite, Penrith Sandstone, Portland Limestone and Yorkshire flags) all newly available due to the opening up of the railway.
The 'multi-generation' wall surrounding St Lawrence's Church. Composed of stones taken from the demolished Abbey and then repaired at several times later. The ancient base can be clearly seen still standing here.
'Rotten rock' This rock is literally a section of the Earth's mantle which has been altered by hot fluids. The fibrous texture is asbestos! But where in the town centre of Reading can you find it? You will definitely need the book to find out where to avoid this one! |
Close-up of the granite column and the main fountain body composed of
terracotta coloured Penrith Sandstone and pale Portland Limestone from Dorset.
