To be exact, two of them. We travelled from Wallingford to Reading to catch up with our building spotting, which has been somewhat neglected of late. Before leaving our mooring at Moulsford, I took a couple of photos of the High speed train approaching one of the magnificent Brunel bridges across the Thames. This one dates from 1839 and had a new bridge built alongside to carry two further tracks in 1892.
We moved up to Wallingford, left Martlet moored in the trees and went for the bus. Judging by the size of some of the fellow passengers, they must have been more uncomfortable than us; the seats seemed to be 3/4 size and were not well padded.
Yes, OK, I know that the journey was free, but this is my blog and I can complain if I so desire. The journey ended outside Reading station and having decided to eat before we explored; on the recommendation of a postman, enjoyed a full English breakfast in a well run cafe.
We walked to the River Kennet and through the Oracle shopping complex, stopping to watch children inside giant inflated bubbles on a paddling pool. They were having a great time and some had really got the hang of running inside and moving around quite quickly.
The main streets had some good buildings; the town hall dates from 1786, the main Victorian Gothic facade and clock tower from 1876. One of our favourites was Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, the walls are of flint and masonry which date from the 11th century.
By the mid 1500's, the church was in need of repair and use was made of stone and timber from the nearby abbey which had been dissolved by King Henry VIII.
Our return bus journey was in a more comfortable one, the seats were full size and well padded. The threatened rain did not materialise until supper time.
