Reading, United Kingdom

Reading (pronounced like "redding", not "reeding") is a large, historic town in Berkshire in the South East of England. It is the largest town without city status in the United Kingdom with just under 235,000 inhabitants. Its main attractions are the medieval abbey ruins and minster church, the rivers Thames and Kennet and surrounding countryside of the Berkshire Downs and Chiltern Hills. It is a major regional shopping centre with a wealth of restaurants and pubs.

There are several possible derivations of Reading's name, however the true source is obscured. Reading holds several Royal Charters permitting Parliament to be held there during times of plague or rebellion in London.