Famous People
This section of the site is to show some of the amazing architecture that is currently in Reading. This architecture is both modern and historic. If there is a monument that you believe should be on this section of the site, then please email contactus@thecityofreading.co.uk and we will aim to add it.
John Kendrick
John Kendrick was born in Reading in 1573. He was a prosperous cloth merchant and was patron of the towns of both Reading and Newbury. Read more…
Henry Addington
Henry Addington was born in Reading and was the 1st Viscount Sidmouth (30 May 1757 – 15 February 1844). He was also elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804. Read more…
Huntley and Palmer
Joseph Huntley and George Parmer are the founders of the world famous Huntley and Palmers Biscuit factory which was based in Reading. In the early 1800’s, London Street in Reading was the main stage coach route from London to Bristol, Bath and the West Country. Read more…
Elizabeth Taylor
Famous novelist and writer, Elizabeth Taylor was born in 1912 in Reading, Berkshire. She was educated at The Abbey School in Reading (which Jane Austen had attended) and then worked as a governess, tutor, and librarian. Read more…
John Madejski
Sir John Robert Madejski was originally born in Stoke on Trent in 1941. He was originally names John Hurst but changed his name to took his step fathers surname. Madejski is the founder of the magazine which became Auto Trader and chairman of Reading F.C. Read more…
Chris Tarrant
Chris Tarrant was Born in 1946 in Reading. He is a successful television presenter and began television work on the evening news show ATV Today as a newsreader. Chris became well known through kids gunge show Tiswas and the adult spinoff OTT. Read more…
Neil Webb
Neil Webb was born in Reading in 1963. He joined Reading on leaving school in 1979 and made his first-team debut in February 1980. He became the youngest ever scorer for Reading and in July 1982 transferred to Portsmouth for £87,500. Read more…
John Altman
John Altman was born in Reading in 1952. He made his acting debut in 1979 in the film “The First Great Train Robbery” in which he played a minor role. His most famous role is “Nasty” Nick Cotton in the BBC television series, EastEnders. Read more…
Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais was born in Reading in 1961. He is a comedian, actor, director, producer, writer and broadcaster. Read more…
Kate Winslett
Kate Winslett was born 1975 in Reading. Her career began on television in the science fiction serial Dark Season. Kate’s film career began successfully with Heavenly Creatures (1994) followed by Sense and Sensibility, winning a BAFTA award for Best Actress. Read more…
