So last week we made the 10 minute walk from Reading town centre to Prospect Street. Now it’s time to walk in the other direction. Turning out of Prospect Mews Right, then left onto Oxford Road and it’s hard to miss the first landmark thanks to the rail bridge painted with doves (at least we think they […]
Category: History
local history and museum posts from Abbey Gate
Exploring the Oxford Road Part 1, Prospect Mews to the Butts
It’s been over a year since we moved our workshops, showroom and offices to central Reading from Caversham. The move made me realise I knew little about the area we now call home. I decided to brave the weather, grab my coat, and have a walk towards the centre of Reading to research the history […]
Mystery surrounds a Key returned to tower
When you lose a key the first thing you should do is change the locks, but what happens if the keys are returned decades later? Back in 1973 a key from St Leonards tower in Kent was “borrowed”, possibly as a souvenir. The Tower run by English Heritage was constructed between 1077 and 1108. Since […]
From safe cracking to spying. The Eddie Chapman story.
The Second World War has created dozens of incredible stories of British servicemen and their heroics. But what if those heroes happen to be from the wrong side of the law? “Gentle” Johnny Ramensky and Eddie Chapman are two of the most famous. While Gentle Johnny offered his services from his prison cell, it was […]
Smiths Security Services and D.J Warland, how can we help?
E. Smith and Co, 1850 – present. Oxford, Reading, Swindon and High Wycombe. Smiths Security Services were taken over and disbanded in 2011. Founded in Oxford and with shops in Reading, Swindon and High Wycombe their products and installations can be found through out the Thames valley in both domestic and commercial locations. As time […]
Lost companies of Reading, how Abbeygate are breathing new life into one.
It was a sad day on the 21st December 2018. It was on this day that after 87 years of trading at 71-73 Caversham Road, Drews the ironmongers finally closed their doors. From bolts and screws, to handles and hinges Abbeygate locksmiths regularly visited the store. The knowledgeable staff were always happy to help and the […]