Matt Rodda MP is calling for Reading Gaol to be saved and turned into an arts hub and museum – to commemorate Oscar Wilde and other important historic events. The Prison is a very important part of Reading’s history. It is believed to also contain the burial place of King Henry I , who established Reading Abbey and it also has a number of other historic links.

The Gaol is under threat of being turned into luxury flats after the Ministry of Justice announced it would sell the site to the highest bidder. Matt said “I am working with a wide range of other local people and organisations and I hope that together we can press for a change of Government policy”.

Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition online, or at our campaign stalls held in Broad Street and Erleigh Road; over a 1000 people have signed so far. You can support this campaign by signing the petition calling for the prison to be protected and for it to become an arts and heritage hub;  the petition can be found here