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Places to stay in Reading
Reading is the embodiment of over a thousand years of history combined successfully with all the assets of a modern, vibrant city. The Victorian red-brick buildings for which we are famous, nestle beside beautiful medieval churches, famous old coaching inns sit opposite high-tech office developments - there is a surprise around every corner. Reading grew rich through the medieval and Tudor periods thanks to a booming trade in cloth. The siege imposed by parliament on the town during the English Civil War crippled the town's economy which never recovered. The economy of the town is historically most famous for the '3Bs' of Biscuits (US English: Cookies), Beer and Bulbs (of which only Beer has survived though the brewery is scheduled to close by 2010) however, In recent years, Information Technology and insurance have replaced these traditional businesses. As such, it is not an obvious travel destination in its own right, but if you happen to be here on business, there is plenty to see and do.
