READING is often quoted as being famous for the four Bs: Beer, bulbs, biscuits and bricks.
A map exhibited by Whitley Community Museum, which comes from a book called Bricks and Brickwork in Reading, shows the locations of kilns in Katesgrove and Whitley, which played a major part in brick production in the 1950s.
They made much of the red brick which was used to fuel the building of Reading.
Waterloo Kiln was the sole producer of the silver and grey bricks which were used on Reading’s distinctive Grade II-listed town hall.
David Turner, curator of the museum, said: “This map not only clearly shows where these kilns were but also other well known businesses that made Whitley their home.
“To name a few, Co-op Preserve Works, Co-op Printing Works and Brewery.”
Elgar Road was purpose-built for workers and there are numerous examples of decorative brickwork running down this road.
Coming off it, Waterloo Road was originally a track used to take bricks from Waterloo Kiln up to Whitley Street.
With over 4,600 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
