University History Resources

The University of Reading will celebrate its centenary in 2026, but records relating to it stretch back further. The first University Extension lectures in Reading were given in 1885 to bring University of Oxford education to people who may not have otherwise been able to access it, and to build on the work of local Schools of Art and Science. Since then, university education in Reading has developed, from the establishment of University College Reading in 1892, to the opening of the University of Reading as its own institution in 1926. Education has taken place on a number of sites across Reading and beyond, from lecture rooms on Valpy Street to farms at Shinfield. 

Collections

The University History Collection consists of large quantities of published and unpublished records, many of which are being made publicly accessible for the first time. We also hold associated collections, such as those relating to students and academics, alongside the Reading University Reserve. Read more about the contents of our university history archive and library collections and what is currently available on our A-Z page. 

To celebrate the University’s centenary, a collection of records relating to this fascinating history will be made available online via our Virtual Reading Room. Material will include: 

• The Book of Remembrance (WWI)  
• Historical photographs
• Published material including periodicals, University Calendars and magazines 
• Posters

Explore

Discover our University heritage through our online exhibitions:

• Foxhill House
• Whiteknights Park, 1783-1798
• Whiteknights Park, 1798-1819
• Whiteknights Park, 1849-1946
• Whiteknights Park, 1947-1967
• Halls of Residence, 1894-2025
• The Great Hall
• London Road Campus
• Valpy Street, 1882-1906
• From this place, on this day – an exhibition celebrating the University of Reading’s Centenary

We are sharing stories and research tips as we work through the collections on our blog:

• A century in print: exploring student life through University of Reading’s magazines, covering official publications and periodicals (such as Tamesis and The Shell); with part two covering departmental publications and those created by students, such as little magazines and zines.

Look out for news about our university history resources on our social media channels:

• Instagram
• Bluesky
• LinkedIn 

Exhibitions and events

• Echoes: 100 years of the University of Reading curated by Museum Studies students exploring student activism and unsung heroes, at The MERL & Special Collections, 9 June-27 September 2026.
• Imprint a display celebrating prints made by women artists from the University of Reading’s School of Art, at The MERL & Special Collections, 9 June 2026 – 17 January 2027
• Conversations with a Curator: for Women’s History Month, Dr Rhi Smith, Director of Academic Learning and Engagement (Museums and Collections), at the University of Reading.  Dr Smith will share her new research into the University’s collection of artwork by 20th century women artists. This talk is part of the programming for the University of Reading centenary celebrations: 5 March 2026.

More information

• Key books on the history of the University of Reading include:
  • The University of Reading : the first fifty years / J.C. Holt (Reading: Reading University Press, 1977)
  • Making a university : an account of the university movement at Reading / by William Macbride Childs (London: Dent, 1933)
  • One hundred years of university education in Reading : a pictorial history : 1892-1992 / compiled by Sidney Smith and Michael Bott (Reading: University of Reading, 1992)
• We are working on cataloguing the University History Collection. When items are catalogued, they become searchable via the online catalogue. Please contact us if you need more information. 
• Once collections are available for use, you can access them via the reading room. 
• We welcome use of our collections in teaching sessions. 
• Tales from the Archives: snapshots of early academic life at Reading a blog inspired by the archives of the university, written by Brian Richards, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Reading.