More Victorian red brick

This very ornate building goes mostly overlooked in Reading. It was built in 1875 by William Palmer who was the brother of the founder of Huntley and Palmers biscuits. It was given to the people as a free library.

Palmer spent much of his fortune on charity, and when he died his brothers were forced to uphold many of his philanthropic promises - much to their annoyance!

Sadly Huntley and Palmers don't exist in Reading any more although the biscuits are made under licence by a New Zealand firm.