Question to council: William Marshal

Richard Stainthorp to ask the Lead Councillor for Culture Heritage and Recreation: William Marshal As I am sure the Lead Councillor is aware 2019 is the 800th anniversary of William Marshal dying in Caversham. William was eulogized by Stephen Langton as 'the best knight that ever lived‘, he served five English kings and was Lord Protector and regent of the kingdom during the reign of Henry III. As is the case for many of us Caversham was his favourite place. Can the Lead Councillor tell me what plans there are to commemorate the anniversary of this great man's death ? 

REPLY by Councillor Hacker Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation. Thank you for your question Mr Stainthorp and I am indeed aware of the anniversary of the remarkable William Marshal and the strong connection he had to our Borough. Unsurprisingly, we do indeed have plans to commemorate this particularly significant anniversary of his death. 

Reading Museum is leading on work with local partners to mark this historic anniversary with two events on Saturday 11 May (which also coincides with the Forbury Fiesta).

The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will have a ‘pop-up’ William Marshal exhibition at the Abbey Gateway (10am -3pm), which will also provide another opportunity to visit the newly restored medieval Gateway. While at the Museum there will be an afternoon talk (3pm 4pm, booking essential via the Museum) on William Marshal by Dr Elizabeth Matthew, University of Reading. This fascinating talk is part of the popular continuing series of public lectures relating to the Abbey Quarter organised by the Museum and the Reading Abbey Revealed project.

During May half term on Tuesday 28 May the Museum is running ‘The Greatest Knight!’ family workshops. Children will be inspired by the greatest knight to decorate their own signature helmet and shield (1-hour sessions starting at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm & 2.15pm, booking via the museum).

You may also be interested to learn that after Marshal died at Caversham his body lay in state at the Abbey until it was transported for burial at the Temple church in London. The Abbey is of course famous as the burial place of King Henry I, but other members of the AngloNorman/Angevin family were also buried at this favoured royal abbey. The Reading Abbey Revealed project and the University of Reading are exploring this subject with a one-day conference ‘Royal Death and Burial Reading Abbey in Context’ on Saturday 6 April (9am 5pm, booking essential). Internationally renowned experts will set Reading Abbey in its context as one of the great royal mausoleums of medieval Europe.

Also! Head to www.cadra.org.uk to find out about their plans to provide an information panel on William Marshal on Cavershsm Bridge plus an expert speaker on the subject at their AGM.

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Green flags flying across the town

Today I received the news that two of Reading's most beautiful and historically important parks had been awarded Green Flag and Green heritage Site awards.

Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens have once again been awarded Green Flag status.  This just confirms what I already knew and that is these parks are wonderful additions to the town.

I've known both of them for a very long time. I remember drawing the holly tree in Forbury Gardens during a primary school trip and, when I got married at Reading Town Hall, we had our wedding pictures in it's beautiful surroundings.

I have memories of Caversham Court from when I was little as my grandparents lived in Caversham but my favourite memories are more recent.  I visited several times as mayor and even had a go at Morris Dancing! I also spent a wonderful warm evening with friends watching Progress Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream last year.

Both these park are free to enter and enjoy all year round, which I think is very important.  You can have a stroll, enjoy a picnic, relax and enjoy some much needed fresh air.  Our parks benefit both body and mind and should be treasured.

Reading Borough Council Press release:

Green Flag Award recognition for two of Reading’s most popular green spaces 

August 16, 2017 Rachel Dennis

 

TWO of Reading’s most popular open spaces have been recognised as among the best in the country after receiving Green Flag and Green Heritage Site awards.

Once again, Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens have both received Green Heritage Site awards, which is awarded for parks which have conserved their historical features to a high standard and maintain their historic character and appearance. Green Heritage Site awards are made to sites that have particular local or national historic interest.
To be recognised with a Green Flag award, parks or open spaces have to demonstrate not only that standard is maintained but that continuous improvements are being achieved.

Cllr Sarah Hacker, Lead Member for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, said:
“I am delighted that yet again, two of our most popular open spaces have been recognised by Green Flag. It is a clear reflection of the hard work put in by both the Council and from voluntary organisations throughout the year to keep these parks in such good condition.
I would like to extend my congratulations to all of those involved in the maintenance of these open spaces for their achievement.”

The Green Flag is recognition of excellence in six important areas: high-quality horticulture, cleanliness, sustainable practices, being welcoming, being safe, and encouraging community involvement.