EastOfDesolation
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- Oct 7, 2010
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Reading isn't exactly famous for it's drains. It's not exactly famous for it's explores either. Although, in recent times, the Courage Brewery has been a nice explore. It became apparent that there was a rather nice Culvert running under the town centre, and that it was also stupidly simple to access. What choice did we have, but to take a look?
The exact origins of the brook are unknown. However, what we do know, is that it is a diversion of the River Kennet, leaving at the town of Theale. The "brook" then flows for a total of 6 miles before rejoining the River Kennet in Reading town centre. The final section of the brook is culverted, as it runs under the shops and streets of Reading. This is the section we explored.
"The Abbey"
Just before re-joining the River Kennet, Holy Brook passes through the ruins of Reading Abbey. As late as 1959, the brook powered a waterwheel and mill on this site. The first mention of the brook comes in the Domesday Book of 1086. Further mentions can be noted in 1121, when the Abbey was built, and in an unnamed document dated to 1441, where it is referenced as "Graniteresbrok", and in 1558 "Le Granator’s Broke als [also] le Hallowed Broke". A Granator was the owner or master of a Grange or Grannary, further linking the brook to milling. It is still unclear if the brook is manmade, or natural.
"Under Reading town centre"
From here in, it's simply an average culvert. There's some 1960's "tagging";
"K. McDonald, A previous intrepid explorer"
And a section that looks like a space ship;
"Futuristic"
Preceded by a much older brick section;
"Brick."
That's about it really
The exact origins of the brook are unknown. However, what we do know, is that it is a diversion of the River Kennet, leaving at the town of Theale. The "brook" then flows for a total of 6 miles before rejoining the River Kennet in Reading town centre. The final section of the brook is culverted, as it runs under the shops and streets of Reading. This is the section we explored.
"The Abbey"
Just before re-joining the River Kennet, Holy Brook passes through the ruins of Reading Abbey. As late as 1959, the brook powered a waterwheel and mill on this site. The first mention of the brook comes in the Domesday Book of 1086. Further mentions can be noted in 1121, when the Abbey was built, and in an unnamed document dated to 1441, where it is referenced as "Graniteresbrok", and in 1558 "Le Granator’s Broke als [also] le Hallowed Broke". A Granator was the owner or master of a Grange or Grannary, further linking the brook to milling. It is still unclear if the brook is manmade, or natural.
"Under Reading town centre"
From here in, it's simply an average culvert. There's some 1960's "tagging";
"K. McDonald, A previous intrepid explorer"
And a section that looks like a space ship;
"Futuristic"
Preceded by a much older brick section;
"Brick."
That's about it really