Rather interesting Reading facts
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Did you know that King Henry I is buried at Reading Abbey ? Perhaps not surprising given he founded it in 1121. He died in France, and his embalmed body had to be returned wrapped in hide to delay decay.
Did you know that Jane Austen attended what became the town’s Abbey School? It was actually then called Reading Ladies’ Boarding School, and was located within the precincts of the Abbey.
Did you know that Mapledurham House is the original setting for Toad of Toad Hall? E.H. Shepard ’s drawing closely resembles the building – though various others claim the honour too.
Did you know that after John of Gaunt ’s wedding on May 19 1359 at Reading Abbey the celebrations lasted for 12 days? His wife was Blanche, daughter of Henry Duke of Lancaster. The Mayor of London arranged for jousting to celebrate the union – can we imagine Boris or Ken spending our money on such frivolities as public games to entertain the wealthy?
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Famous Reading people:
Arthur Negus
Charles Simeon
Charlie Brooker
Chris Tarrant
Elizabeth Taylor
Howard Davies
John Soane
Kate Middleton
Kate Winslet
Mike Oldfield
Raj Persaud
Ricky Gervais
Sam Mendes
Will Young
William Laud
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