Guy Baxter and Miriam Gibson, from the University of Reading’s Archive Services, share the captivating archives that bring our University’s history to life.
The University of Reading has a storied past, evolving from a University of Oxford extension college in 1892, to achieving its Royal Charter in 1926. Our history is a rich tapestry of academic achievement, cultural milestones, and community impact.
As part of an All Staff Talk, we were lucky enough to have a whistle-stop tour around the University’s history. Read on for a glimpse into this history through some short videos that were created for the talk – narrated by Guy, Head of Archives Services, and Miriam, Centenary Project Archivist – and celebrate the enduring legacy of the University.
Chartered territory
From Whiteknights Campus before the University of Reading existed, to Crystal Palace, Reading town centre and biscuits – Guy talks us through the origins of our chartership.
Campus life
Guy shows us the history of our London Road campus, Whiteknights campus and Greenlands campus, including a snippet into some historic classrooms, the traditional bowls games played by lecturers, the Great Hall and some halls of residences.
Into the catalogues
Miriam shares a sneak peek into our archived images of students and staff at work around campus and looks at some of the posters that were displayed around campus over the years.
Life before CONNECTED
Guy shows us life before our online alumni magazine, CONNECTED, with a look at one of its predecessors, Tamesis, which ran from 1910-1973.
Read more about the history of the University of Reading
Do you have any of your own archives from your time at the University of Reading? Share them with us at alumni@reading.ac.uk
