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© Mr Richard Swynford-Lain
IoE Number:
38955
Location:
GREYFRIARS CHURCH, FRIAR STREET (north side)
READING, READING, BERKSHIRE
Photographer:
Mr Richard Swynford-Lain
Date Photographed:
04 September 2001
Date listed:
22 March 1957
Date of last amendment:
22 March 1957
Grade
I
The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incorporate subsequent amendments to the list. For the statutory list and information on the current listed status of individual buildings please go to The National Heritage List for England.
FRIAR STREET
1.
5128
(North Side)
Greyfriars Church
SU 7173 12/122 22.3.57.
I
2.
Church of England. Said to be the most complete surviving example of Fransiscan-
architecture in England, and in use again as a church. The first site (1255-59)
being unsatisfactory, the present church was built 1285 plus, and ready by
1311. It served as Town Bridewell during the C18 and was only restored circa
1863 by the Borough Surveyor (W H Woodmn). Built of squared knapped flints
with stone plinth, dressings and buttresses. Tiled roof swept down over aisles
with small vents. 3 bay nave, large transept (added to church by Woodman,
probably incorrectly), chancel removed after the Reformation and east chancel
arch blocked. Gable over now carries Woodman's triple arched belfry. The nave
has segmental headed 3 light windows of plain decorated style and an extremely
fine west window of 5 lights, decorated style with reticulated tracery. The
transept has 2 bays each side of main vessel, each with plain 'Y' tracery,
the north and south windows 4-light in Decorated style. North and south doors
in nave with moulded pointed arches. Interior spacious; crown post and wind-brace
roof supported on original cruciform and quadriblobe shafts. Gabled and arcaded
retable. Font and pulpit date from restoration. Entrance now in annexe to
west.