In pictures: 185 years of Reading Station

The new Reading Station from 2014Network Rail

The new Reading Station was officially opened by the Queen in 2014

Katie Waple
BBC News

From a temporary stop on the line between London and Bristol, to a significant link to the whole country - Reading Station celebrates its 185th birthday this week.

Originally constructed in 1840 while Brunel built the Great Western Railway, its location ended up making it one of the most important stations in the UK.

Dr Richard Marks earned his PhD studying the railway in Reading and said the station "transformed the area".

Network Rail's Western route director, Marcus Jones, said: "We're proud to recognise its important role in connecting people across the country for generations."

Listen: How the railway revolutionised 19th Century Berkshire

Black and white image of the station house titled Great Western RailwayScience Museum Group

Reading Station in 1910 as seen in this Great Western Railway official photo

Reading Station black and white image of main platform, looking down the tracks with lighting on. Science Museum Group

The main platform seen here in 1931

On the 30 October 1938, an electric train ran into Reading Railway Station for the first time. This photograph was published in the Berkshire Chronicle on 4 November 1938.Reading Chronicle Collection

The first electric train ran into Reading Station in October 1938

Black and White image of evacuated School Children in Reading. Reading Chronicle Collection

About 12,500 unaccompanied school children were evacuated to Reading in 1939

'Welcome Royal Berks' Decorations at Reading Station, for the return of 350 soldiers in November 1945Reading Chronicle Collection

Three-hundred-and-fifty men from the Royal Berkshire Regiment returned from Burma in 1945

The boys, Tony Cowdery, John Seargent, Geoffrey Snook, Clive Garnet and a fifth unidentified child were some of the few to receive such an award having gained the relevant badges.Reading Chronicle Collection

Boy Scouts took a trip to London from the station in April 1951 to receive the King's Certificate

Holiday crowds about to enter a train at the Reading General Station thirteen hours before the railway strike began.Reading Chronicle Collection

Disruption was caused at the station during the Reading Rail Strike in 1955

Relaying Platform 4, Reading Station Reading Chronicle Collection

A total of £2.5m was spent on modernising platform 4 in 1961

Two high speed trains in the station are green with yellow fronts.Network Rail

The first high-speed trains arrive at Reading

The late Queen in a turquoise coat and hat, is wearing white gloves and revealing a plaque.Network Rail

The late Queen Elizabeth unveiled a plaque as she opened the new and improved station in 2014

Aerial View of Reading StationPhil Metcalfe

Reading Station is a major hub which sees about 13.5 million passengers annually

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