The Silk Industry in Reading
The silk industry existed in Reading for over 200 years, and employed over 500 people in the early 19th century. Yet nowadays few have heard of it. David’s interest in the subject stems from the fact that he grew up in Macclesfield, a town dominated by silk manufacture. He will describe the different processes involved in silk production, how the industry in Reading was run, some of the firms involved, and whereabouts they operated.
This is the second of three talks in the “Shops and Businesses” Talks Series. The other talks take place on 16th April and the 18th June. You may book tickets for any talk individually or for all three in the series for a reduced price. Â
Please note the Centre’s face-to-face talks are now being held at a new venue – Reading’s Abbey Baptist Church. The full address of the church is given to the right. The venue has disabled access and a disabled toilet. The talk begins at the slightly later time than previously of 2.30pm.Â
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available (included in the price). Pre-booking is preferred, but you can pay on the door, if there are spaces available. Â
Image above: The silk factory of Messrs. Baylis on Kings Road, Reading, courtesy of David Cliff.
Location image: Abbey Church – Gazamp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
To book, scroll down.
Date
- Thu 21 May 2026
Time
- 14:30 - 15:45
Tickets
- £5.00
Location
- Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE
Category
Organiser
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The Centre - Berkshire FHS
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Email
booking@berksfhs.org.uk -
Website
https://berksfhs.org/branches/
Speaker
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David CliffeDavid Cliffe came to Reading in 1969, and spent his working career in public libraries in Reading, eventually becoming Local Studies Manager for Reading Borough. He has had a life-long interest in local history, and is currently Chairman of the Berkshire Local History Association, and of the History of Reading Society. Another life-long interest has resulted in him being the President of the Reading & District Natural History Society.