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Reading Museum, Berkshire

Possible depiction of the death of Harold in the Bayeux Tapestry. This image is copyright free.

Reading Museum has collections relevant to the history of Reading, and unique exhibits of wider relevance. The museum stores many objects found during excavations of England's most extensively preserved Roman town, Silchester in Hampshire. The Roman collection includes graffiti, stamps, footprints, and many items of daily life - jewelry, dice, tweezers, cutlery.

Reading Museum is also home to an excellent nineteenth century copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. This enigmatic historical document tells the story of William the Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066. The original is kept in Bayeux, Normandy, so the Reading copy is the easiest way to see the tapestry in this country. The copy is almost identical, although a naked man mysteriously portrayed at William's court in the original is given a pair of shorts by nineteenth century creators of the Reading copy. Viewing of the complete Bayeux Tapestry is possible via the website link below.

Reading Museum has a riverside extension holding collections exploring the history of the rivers Kennet and Thames, which both run through the city.

 

 

Directions: Reading Museum is in Reading centre next to the town hall. There is no parking at the museum. Nearest car parks are at Reading Street and Garrard Street. Rail and bus stations are a two minute walk from the museum. The Riverside extension is at Blake's Lock, off Kenavon Drive, a twenty minute walk from the main building. Click here for an interactive map centred on Reading Museum.

Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am- 4pm, Sunday 11am- 4pm.

Closed on Monday, except for Bank Holiday Mondays. Also closed from December 25th to January 1st and Easter Sunday.

The Riverside Museum is open everyday: 1st April to 30th September 10am - 6pm, 1st October- 31st March 10am - 3pm.

Access: There is level access to all galleries, with disabled parking spaces in front of the museum. Handling sessions are organised.

Contact:

telephone: 0118 939 9800

web site: http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/