King's Meadow, Reading

{{Short description|Riverside park in Reading, England}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} {{Infobox park | name = King's Meadow | other_name = | image = King's Meadow, Reading.jpg | image_size = | image_alt = | image_caption = King's Meadow and new apartments | type = Public | location = Reading, Berkshire, UK | coordinates = {{coord|51.46|N|0.961|W|region:GB|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | area = {{convert|12|acres}} | created =  | operator = | visitation_num = | status = | open = | map = United Kingdom Reading | map_size = | map_alt = | map_caption = Location within Reading }} '''King's Meadow''', historically known as '''Reading Recreation Ground''', is a park in Reading, Berkshire, England, located next to the River Thames. It stretches from the '''Coal Woodland''' (so-called because it used to be the site of a coal heap <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/leisureandculture/parksandopenspaces/kingsmeadowandthecoalwoodland/ |title=Kings Meadow and the Coal Woodland |access-date=17 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819052200/http://www.reading.gov.uk/leisureandculture/parksandopenspaces/kingsmeadowandthecoalwoodland/ |archive-date=19 August 2010 |publisher=Reading Borough Council |url-status=dead}}</ref>) to King's Meadow Road near Reading Bridge. The Thames Path long distance footpath runs through the length of King's Meadow, which is visible from the railway when entering or leaving Reading railway station from the eastern side.<ref name=ose159>{{cite map |title=Explorer 159: Reading, Wokingham & Pangbourne |publisher=Ordnance Survey |isbn=9780319243527}}</ref>

King's Meadow forms part of a series of riverside open spaces, managed by Reading Borough Council, that stretch along one or other side of the River Thames throughout its passage through Reading. From west to east these are Thameside Promenade, Caversham Court, Christchurch Meadows, Hills Meadow, View Island and King's Meadow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors/parks-outdoor-facilities-open-spaces/ |title=Parks, Outdoor Facilities & Open Spaces |publisher=Reading Borough Council |access-date=28 June 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628104835/https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors/parks-outdoor-facilities-open-spaces/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== History == King's Meadow was a possession of Reading Abbey and became owned by the King after the dissolution of the monasteries. This area has long been used as the site of a variety of public events such as Reading market, a race course, Reading shows and fairs. In 1869 the town of Reading purchased {{convert|12|acres}} of the meadow as a recreation ground, hence the ''Reading Recreation Ground'' name. This ground was home to Reading F.C. from its foundation in 1871 until 1878, when they moved to Coley Recreation Ground.<ref name=cs71>{{cite book | title = The Town of Reading and its Abbey | first = Cecil | last = Slade | publisher = MRM Associates Ltd | year = 2001 | isbn = 0-9517719-4-9 | pages = 71–93}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://oldvelodromes.co.uk/HTML%20tracks/480.html |title=Reading - Recreation Ground |work=oldvelodromes.co.uk |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref>

King's Meadow is also the location of the once disused King's Meadow swimming pool, which was built there in 1903. The future of the building was a subject of local controversy until 2015 when Reading Borough Council approved a renovation project to turn it into the Thames Lido. The restoration was completed in 2017; as well as reopening the pool, there is a restaurant, small spa and private dining facilities.<ref>James Burridge, [https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2004/08/10/kingsmeadowpool_feature.shtml Sink or Swim for Pool], BBC Radio Berkshire, UK, 10 August 2004.</ref>

== Features == The park's landscape is open fields of short grass right up to the river bank, with some perimeter trees and an avenue from Napier Road. It is a popular picnic site with groups of mature trees. The park is prone to flooding, but there are playing fields used by the public and football clubs throughout the year.

There is a pleasant walk along the towpath up to Reading Bridge and Caversham Lock is at the eastern end. It is also a popular spot for mooring and fishing. To the east of the park is a large Tesco supermarket.<ref>[http://www.livebus.org/reading/stops/039027470001/ Tesco King's Meadow], [http://www.livebus.org/reading/ Reading], [http://www.livebus.org/ LiveBus.org].</ref>

== Events == [[File:Reading Beer Festival 2009.jpg|thumb|Reading Beer Festival]]

It is the location of several annual events in Reading, such as the Reading Pride festival. For many years it was also the site of the annual, but now defunct, Reading Beer Festival.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reading enjoys 'biggest ever' Pride event|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-11191635|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=8 June 2011|date=5 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Reading Beer and Cider festival 2011 to last five days|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-13049077|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=8 June 2011|date=12 April 2011}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors/parks-outdoor-facilities-open-spaces/kings-meadow-and-the-coal-woodland/ Page on Kings Meadow and the Coal Woodland from Reading Borough Council]

Category:Parks and open spaces in Reading, Berkshire Category:Water-meadows Category:Meadows in Berkshire