Inside the Abandoned HMYOI Reading | Haunting Remains of a Historic Prison

Join us on a rare urban-exploration journey into the haunting corridors of the former HMP Reading – a historic Victorian prison in the heart of Reading, Berkshire. Built in 1844 on the site of the old county gaol and partly over the remains of Reading Abbey, this imposing red-brick structure was one of the earliest examples of the “separate system” of prison design, with a hub-and-spoke layout by architects Sir George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt.

Over the decades, HMP Reading witnessed public executions in its forecourt (the first in 1845 before a crowd of 10,000), internment of Irish rebels after the 1916 Easter Rising, internment of foreign nationals in the world wars, use as a borstal for young offenders, and finally a remand centre and Young Offenders Institution until its closure in December 2013.

On this two-stage exploration, we’ll wander through the shadowy wings, inspect the peeling cell walls, trace the footsteps of literary legend Oscar Wilde (who penned The Ballad of Reading Gaol during his 18-month sentence here), and reflect on the layers of heritage — from abbey infirmary to gaol to derelict ruin.

Expect to document the architecture, the deterioration, and the stories that echo off the cold stones — twice in one day, to see how the light changes, how the atmosphere shifts, and to capture both surface-and-shadow. Whether you’re a history buff, an urban explorer, or simply someone drawn to abandoned places, this visit promises a deep dive into one of Britain’s most evocative former prison sites.

⚠️ Important Note: This exploration is undertaken as part of the ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints’ ethos. Access should be legal, safe and respectful of the heritage building’s status (the prison is Grade II listed).