Reading Greyfriars
Greyfriars Church in Reading, England, is the oldest Franciscan church still in use as a place of worship in the UK and is considered a highly complete example of Franciscan architecture. Originally founded in 1233 as a friary to serve the poor, it was later dissolved and served various secular purposes including a town hall, hospital, and jail before being restored and re-established as a parish church in the 19th century.
Key Facts
- ›Oldest Franciscan church still in use as a place of worship in the UK.
- ›Considered the most complete surviving example of Franciscan architecture in England.
- ›Originally established by Franciscan friars in 1233.
- ›Expelled in 1538 during the dissolution of the monasteries.
- ›Restored in the 1860s and later modernized.
- ›Listed as a Grade I listed building.
Franciscan
- Grade I Listed Building
- Oldest Franciscan Church In Use In the Uk
- Most Complete Surviving Example of Franciscan Architecture In England
Adam De Lathbury, John Peckham, Thomas Vachell, Robert Stanshawe, W H Woodman
- Arrival of Franciscan Friars
- Erection of Initial Friary
- Obtaining New Site
- New Friary Ready
- Dissolution of the Monasteries
- Grant of Church Nave/Aisles For Town Hall
- Use As A Hospital For the Poor
- Use As A House of Correction
- Use As Town Jail
- Restoration of the Church
- Construction of Memorial Hall
- Rebuilding of Vicarage
- Construction of West End
- Completion of Greyfriars Centre
- Reordering and Modernization of Church Interior
About Reading Greyfriars
Greyfriars Church, Reading
Greyfriars Church, located in the town centre of Reading, Berkshire, stands as a significant historical and religious site. It is recognized as the oldest Franciscan church still functioning as a place of worship in the United Kingdom and is considered the most complete surviving example of Franciscan architecture in England. Its importance is further underscored by its designation as a Grade I listed building.
History as a Friary
The Franciscan order established a presence in Reading in 1233 with the aim of ministering to the poor and oppressed. Despite initial friction with the established Reading Abbey, royal patronage facilitated the friars' work. The first recorded instance of a painted altarpiece in Europe originates from this friary in 1239. Initially situated on a site prone to flooding, the friars moved to a new location by 1285, with their new friary, which would eventually become Greyfriars Church, ready by 1311. Their monastic life at Reading came to an end in 1538 with the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII.
Transformation to Secular and Parish Use
Following its dissolution, the church's nave and aisles were repurposed as a town hall in 1543. The remainder of the friary was sold to private individuals. Over subsequent centuries, the building served various civic and correctional functions, including a hospital for the poor and the town's jail by the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, the structure was derelict and in danger of collapse.
Restoration and Modernization
A comprehensive restoration of the church took place around 1863, led by W H Woodman. This period saw the addition of a large transept and a triple-arched belfry, alongside updates to the interior. Further developments in the 20th and 21st centuries include the construction of a Memorial Hall, the rebuilding of the Vicarage, the creation of the West End entrance foyer, and the Greyfriars Centre for community activities. In 2000, the church's interior was reordered and modernized with movable seating to enhance its flexibility for various uses, including worship, community events, and church courses.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Greyfriars founded as a friary?
The Franciscan order of friars first arrived in Reading and began establishing a community in 1233. They erected their initial friary by 1259, and a new, larger site was ready by 1311.
Why did the friars move to a new site?
The initial site granted to the friars proved prone to flooding. This made it difficult for them to carry out their ministry effectively, prompting them to seek and obtain a new location by 1285.
What happened to Greyfriars after the dissolution of the monasteries?
Following the dissolution in 1538, the nave and aisles of the church were granted for use as a town hall. The rest of the friary and grounds were sold off. It later served as a hospital for the poor and a house of correction, eventually becoming the town's jail in the 18th century.
When was Greyfriars restored as a church?
The church underwent significant restoration around 1863, led by the Reading Borough Surveyor. This period saw the addition of a large transept and a triple-arched belfry, and the interior was also updated.
What is the architectural significance of Greyfriars?
Greyfriars is noted for being the most complete surviving example of Franciscan architecture in England. Its original building is constructed from squared and knapped flints with stone detailing, and its design reflects the functional needs of the Franciscan order.
Is Greyfriars still an active place of worship?
Yes, Greyfriars Church is an active evangelical Anglican church and continues to be used as a place of worship today. It has undergone several modernizations to better serve its congregation and community.
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