Where did your ancestors live - South-East - Reading
Below is some genealogy information and websites about the history and social geography of Reading.
North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West, Midlands, London, East Anglia
Description: Located in Berkshire, Reading is the county town and sits on the Rivers Thames and Kennet. Reading was traditionally focused on the cloth trade and a market town. In 1801 Reading's population was 9,400. Good transport links helped to establish Reading as a good stopping point between London and Oxford, and later the Midlands. River access was a natural boon. The Kennet Navigation was opened in 1723. In 1801, the Kennet and Avon canal was opened which gave access to Bristol. Reading was connected to the rail network in 1841. Reading changed with the times and in the 1800s began to built iron works and breweries, such as Simond's Brewery. Sutton Seeds started to produce bulbs and Huntley and Palmers made biscuits. Reading Sauce was also made there. It also grew it's market. In the 1900s, Reading started to produce aircraft (Miles Aircraft).
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