| Friar Street | |
|---|---|
Friar Street looking west in 2007 |
|
| Former names: | New Street[1] |
| Postal code: | RG1 |
| Location: | Reading, Berkshire, UK |
Friar Street is a thoroughfare in the English town of Reading. It runs parallel to Broad Street, connected by Union Street, Queen Victoria Street and Cross Street. At the western end is the Greyfriars Church and at the eastern end are the Town Hall and St Laurence's Church.
Excavations were carried out on Friar Street in 1997 at the location of a proposed extension Marks and Spencer store by the Oxford Archaeological Unit. Early post-medieval structures and a hearth that was possibly medieval were found after preliminary archaeological evaluations. The following excavation found a succession of hearths, with associated structures, dating from the 13th century up to post-medieval period.[2]
Located on the south side of Friar Street once stood the Frank Matcham designed Royal County Theatre, built in 1895. In 1937 it was destroyed by fire.[3]
In 1963 a Sainsbury's supermarket opened putting many small local food shops out of business.[4] Friars Walk shopping centre located at the western end of Friar street opened in 1973-4,[5] it is currently derelict and will be demolished if proposed the Station Hill redevelopment project goes ahead.