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In pictures: 185 years of Reading Station

Katie Waple
BBC News
Network Rail The new Reading Station from 2014Network Rail
The new Reading Station was officially opened by the Queen in 2014

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
Science Museum Group 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
Science Museum Group 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
Reading Chronicle Collection 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
Reading Chronicle Collection 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
Reading Chronicle Collection '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
Reading Chronicle Collection 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
Reading Chronicle Collection 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
Reading Chronicle Collection Relaying Platform 4, Reading Station Reading Chronicle Collection
A total of £2.5m was spent on modernising platform 4 in 1961
Network Rail Two high speed trains in the station are green with yellow fronts.Network Rail
The first high-speed trains arrive at Reading
Network Rail 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
Phil Metcalfe Aerial View of Reading StationPhil Metcalfe
Reading Station is a major hub which sees about 13.5 million passengers annually

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