Hospitium of St John the Baptist

The Hospitium of St John the Baptist, founded in 1189, served as a dormitory for pilgrims visiting the historic Reading Abbey in Berkshire, England. Accommodating up to 400 people, the main building still stands today as a grade II listed structure. Originally part of the abbey, it later became the Royal Grammar School of King Henry VII in 1485 and subsequently housed the town hall for about 200 years after the dissolution of the monasteries. The building has a rich history, including its role in the establishment of the University of Reading in 1926. Currently, it is integrated into a modern office development and serves as a children's nursery, while its unique architecture and historical significance make it an intriguing site for tourists and researchers alike.