A SOUTH Reading ward holds a subtle bond to the picturesque beaches, cliffs and national parks of Devon.
Unbeknownst to some, Whitley’s link comes through some of its street names, which appear to have been named after locations in the county in southwest England.
Some may not have noticed, but this link is not lost on Whitley Community Museum’s curator David Turner.
Mr Turner said: “For some years now I have been curious as to why road names in Whitley are named after Towns and Villages in Devon. The council made the decision after counsellors thought it was a good idea. No other reason.
“Brixham Road for instance, which was constructed when the estate was being built in the 1930s was originally called Brixton Road. It became apparent however that this name would be associated with an area in London. It was then decided to make the change to Brixham Road.”
He added that Cressingham Road had previously been called Grosvenor Road, which was changed due to confusion with a road in Caversham which goes by the same name.
“The name Whitley derived from the word meaning ‘whitewood or clearing’, as the area way back when was predominantly forest land,” Mr Turner explained.
“Since 1997, Whitley Suburb has been included in the Borough of Reading and was one of the largest suburbs.
“The main estate build did not commence until the 1930s, although in the late 1800s there were a few houses beginning to appear, along with pubs.
“Following my interest in road names it is amazing what local history has been uncovered. For instance, my own house which was built in 1900 is in an area of Whitley that was once an oak forest.
“In my research of the house I found a document that confirmed an agreement to cut down 300 oak trees for use in Reading Abbey.”
With more than 5,000 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.
The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.
It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.
The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits in-person.
For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
