A recent visit to Reading with lots to look at in and around
the town centre. Despite a rash of 1960’s and 70’s buildings of poor design and
construction there are still a number of interesting Victorian and Edwardian
buildings left.
The best building in Reading being Simmonds Bank of 1839 in
an ornate Italian Palazzo style by Henry & Nathaniel Briant for clients
Joseph & Charles Simmonds & Co. Now empty and awaiting its fate after
having been vacated by Barclays bank – the modern extension showing just how
bad bank building had become.
A walk down to the High Bridge of 1788 with it’s ‘vermiculated
rustication on the voussoirs’, then a perambulation along the main shopping streets
but looking above the shop windows to see the decorative details on the
Victorian properties. There are some good details if one looks up – many people
don’t and just pass by without noticing.
There are a lot more older properties than people may think in
Reading and in Castle Street St Mary’s Church of 1840 by Nathaniel Briant is noticeable
with its Greek style Corinthian columns and three stepped doorways.
