Coley Talking: Realities of life in old Reading

Coley Talking provides a glimpse into the history of one of Reading's poorest communities, revealing the symptoms of extreme poverty and the changes brought about by slum clearance, the NHS, state education, and trade unions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2021
Publisher: Two Rivers Press

Reading experienced significant growth in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, driven by factors such as the canal, railway, brewing, and biscuit making. However, the rapid population expansion in the middle of the nineteenth century posed numerous challenges. Coley Talking, a documentary film, delves into a darker aspect of Reading's and England's history, shedding light on the lives of its impoverished communities. Memories, photographs, maps, and archives provide a vivid account of how people lived in one of Reading's most disadvantaged areas. The film uncovers the symptoms of extreme poverty, including workhouses, chronic disease, and insanitary back-to-back housing, in shocking detail.

Yet, amidst this adversity, there were signs of change on the horizon. Ragged schools, improved sanitation, the efforts of socialist councillors Harry and Lorenzo Quelch, and the early days of the local Labour party all contributed to a better quality of life for the residents. The community's strong and resilient spirit played a pivotal role in overcoming adversity.

Through the lens of Coley, the film showcases the transformative impact of slum clearance, the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS), state education, and the work of trade unions. It highlights the initiatives that have made a significant difference in people's lives today. Coley Talking serves as a reminder of the past and a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It encourages us to appreciate the progress that has been made and to continue working towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 135 x 208 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909747883