Grade I listed · Reading

Abbey Gate

Abbey Gate is a Grade I listed building in Reading, first listed on 22 March 1957. It is one of 6 Grade I entries among 504 listed buildings in Reading; 1% of Reading’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
Field	Value
Name	Abbey Gate
Grade	Grade I — exceptional interest
List entry number	1155691
Date first listed	22 March 1957
Local planning authority	Reading
Location	51.45643, -0.96680 (map)
Official record	Historic England list entry 1155691

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Reading will require for your works on Abbey Gate, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest — only about 2.5% of listed buildings in England. Any application for listed building consent is notified to Historic England, and alterations are scrutinised closely.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near Abbey Gate

Name	Grade	Distance
Assize Courts	II	30 m
Shire Hall	II	43 m
Anglian Cross	II	60 m
Maiwand Memorial	II	74 m
10, Abbot'S Walk	II	83 m
11 and 12, Abbot'S Walk	II	93 m
Archway Connecting Forbury Gardens to Abbey Ruins. Including Retaining Walls Flanking Path to Abbey Ruins	II*	93 m
Wall between Forbury Road and Abbott's Walk to west of St James's Church	II	102 m
Wall and gate piers of the Church of St Laurence’s graveyard	II	114 m
Abbey Mill Ruins	II	117 m

Frequently asked questions

Is Abbey Gate listed?

Yes. Abbey Gate is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed building, list entry number 1155691, first listed on 22 March 1957. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.

Do I need consent for works to Abbey Gate?

Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Reading, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.

Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.