Reading is a large town in England, located at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, and on both the Great Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway, some 40 miles west of London. For ceremonial purposes it is in the Royal County of Berkshire and has served as the county town since 1867.
Reading was an important national centre in the medieval period, as the site of an important monastery with strong royal connections. However, in the 17th century, it suffered from economic damage which took a long time to recover from. Today it remains an important commercial centre, with strong links to information technology and insurance. Reading also hosts two universities, a large student population, and is home to one of England's biggest music festivals.
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