How to find it
The panel is on the viewing platform on the east facing side Caversham Bridge
About the Info Panel
The panel was unveiled on 7 November 2019, by the team who developed it and children from the Heights Primary School
A celebration, attended by the then Deputy Mayor of Reading Cllr David Stevens, was held in Crowne Plaza to thank everyone who supported the project, including Reading Civic Society and the generous donors who contributed to the project costs, which exceeded £5000.
The panel is made of enamelled metal. It was made by A G Wells of the Isle of Wight.
A bit of background
This richly illustrated panel was developed by CADRA, to commemorate 800 years since the death of William Marshal in Caversham on the 14 May 1219. He was one of the most influential figures in Medieval England and was lauded as the Greatest Knight who ever lived. As Regent to the young Henry III, he travelled with the full Court to spend his final days in Caversham.
The panel is sited on the Caversham Bridge viewing platform, looking towards Deans Farm, where his home was thought to be, and Reading Abbey, where his body was taken for a mass, before his burial at Temple Church, London.
The artwork is by Martin Andrews and the design by Anke Ueberberg. Helen Lambert and Vickie Abel, who developed the text, were advised by Dr Thomas Asbridge, author of the well-respected book, “The Greatest Knight”, and an internationally renowned expert on the history of the Middle Ages. Respecting the structure of the historic Caversham Bridge, a specially designed frame was created to support the board.
