St Mary’s Butts and Castle Street Audio Trail

Join BBC presenter and lifelong Reading resident Fiona Talkington on an engaging audio walk that brings the rich history of St Mary’s Butts and Castle Street to life.

‘Pies, Pints and Protest: The hidden worlds of Castle Street and St Mary’s Butts’ by Fiona Talkington and Richard Bentley

Start: Reading Minster, St Mary’s Butts
Finish: The Allied Arms, St Mary’s Butts
Duration: 30 minutes
This route is accessible. Please be mindful of road crossings.

Using headphones via your personal device, start the audio outside the front of Reading Minster and let local artist Fiona Talkington guide you. If you don’t have the soundcloud app click on Listen in browser. The map below gives an overview of the stops along the accessible route.

Alternative format: transcript of audio trail

St Mary’s Butts and Castle Street map download

This self-guided journey reveals often hidden histories from up to 500 years ago and celebrates iconic buildings, people and even animals.

Mixing Fiona’s personal memories within the context of contemporary Reading, this immersive audio showcases Reading’s strong cultural and social heritage.

Credits: Sound and music: Sam Proctor (Lismore Mastering), Nino Auricchio. Recorded on location and at Readipop Studios. With the participation of Reading Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

With thanks to: Evelyn Williams, Margaret Simons, Katrina Parker, Jasbinder Dail, John Saunders, Dom Humphries, St Mary and St Laurence Society of Bellringers.

Partners: Reading Borough Council, Reading High Street Heritage Action Zone, Historic England, Sound UK, Readipop, Berserk Productions.