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Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock
Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock.jpg
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Location Reading, Berkshire, England
Type Local museum

The Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock is a fascinating museum located in the town of Reading, England. It sits right by Blake's Lock, which is a special part of the river system. This museum helps visitors learn all about the long history of people using the Kennet and the Thames rivers in Reading. It's a great place to discover how these rivers shaped the town over hundreds of years.

Exploring the Museum Buildings

The museum is set up inside two old and interesting buildings. These are called the Screen House and the Turbine House. Both buildings have their own unique stories and history.

The Screen House

The Screen House used to be a place where water was filtered for a nearby power station. Now, it's filled with exhibits that show how people have lived and worked along the rivers. You can see tools, boats, and other items that tell the story of river life.

The Turbine House

The Turbine House once held powerful machines called turbines. These turbines used the force of the river water to create electricity. Today, this building showcases how the rivers were used for power and transport. It also hosts special art shows that change from time to time.

What You Can Discover at the Museum

The Riverside Museum has many cool things to see and learn about. It focuses on how people have interacted with the rivers for centuries.

River History and Uses

You can find out about the different ways people used the rivers. This includes how they traveled on the water, how they fished, and how they used the river's power. There are displays about medieval times, showing how important the rivers were for trade and daily life long ago.

Stories of People and the River

The museum also shares information about different groups of people who lived by the rivers. This includes stories about the Romani people and their connection to the waterways. It helps visitors understand the diverse history of the area.

Visiting Blake's Lock

The museum's location at Blake's Lock is special. A "lock" is like a water elevator that helps boats move between different water levels on a river or canal. Blake's Lock is part of the Kennet and Avon Canal, which is a historic waterway connecting the River Kennet and the River Avon. It's a great spot to watch boats pass by and enjoy the riverside.

External links

  • Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock Official Website: http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/collections/seeing-our-collections/riverside-museum-blake-lock/
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