Berkshire History for Kids: River-trade in Reading

makes Town Rich

Trade along the River Kennet to London made Reading merchants rich, especially selling cloth.

The Abbey had its own wharf just outside the monastery walls.

The Town Wharf, for everyone else to use, was at High Bridge, between London & Duke Street.

Local traders had to pay a penny toll at the wharves, both coming and going. Other traders paid twice as much!

Lots of luxury goods were imported from London, as well as everyday items like rope, salt, oil and soap.

Fish and fresh vegetables arrived in Reading by boat and were sold directly from the deck.

People also constantly travelled up to London from the wharves as roads were very bad.