Museum History

Service Expansion

1911 The Museum's Schools Loan Service began, one of the first to give children 'contact with actual material'.
The Stag donated by George V

1911 The stag, symbol of Berkshire, was given by George V following his visit to Reading.

1932 The Museum reaches agreement with Thames Conservancy Board to receive on loan archaeological items dredged from the Thames.
Damage to the Town Hall after the 1943 air raid,
compared to the same view today

1937 The Abbey Gateway began to be used by the Museum, for meetings of museum groups and displaying the Hurry pictures of important events in the history of Reading Abbey.

1943 A bomb destroys the southern end of the Town Hall in Reading's only major air raid during the Second World War. Temporary repairs sealed the end of the Victoria Hall and remained in place until late 1980s refurbishment.

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