St Mary’s Butts is the name of the road in front of the church. In the Middle Ages, it was compulsory for many farmers in England to learn archery. Hence, an archery butt was established here for practice! St Mary’s church has a full title of Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin and when the Domesday book was written this was the only church in Reading.
At the website listed below, you can read a detailed history of the Minster and take a virtual tour of the building.
