The Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia has been in operation for over 130 years, having opened in 1892 and officially commencing full operations in 1893. It was built by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company to replace earlier, smaller markets in the area, serving as one of America's oldest and largest public markets.
For over 129 years, the Reading Terminal Market has provided a unique shopping and dining experience. Explore the Market's rich history from 1893 to today!
Who is the oldest vendor at Reading Terminal Market?
Bassetts Ice Cream. America's oldest ice cream company—established in 1861—Bassetts Ice Cream was the first merchant to sign a lease at the Reading Terminal Market in 1892 and is still owned and operated by the same family today.
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".
One of America's largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of locally grown & exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections.
Reading Terminal Market is a Must-Do on Any Weekend Trip to Philadelphia | Get Out of Town
Who designed the Reading Terminal Market?
Architect F. H. Kimbal of the Wilson Brothers Architecture & Engineering firm designed the Reading Railroad's headhouse terminal in 1891, prior to its opening in 1893. The rails were elevated to reach the train shed platform built over top of the new consolidated market, which opened a year earlier.
Known for its beer, biscuits and bulbs in the industrial revolution, Reading has transformed into a vibrant, metropolitan town located on the River Thames and Kennet & Avon Canal.
Watlington House is a Grade II* listed building. It is the oldest residential house in Reading, having been built around the 1688 and the 1760s. The walled garden to the rear of the house runs alongside South Street down to The Grove.
Ever heard of the 50 page rule? A librarian has suggested that for books, if you're 50 or under, you read 50 pages and give yourself permission, at that point, to stop reading if you're not enjoying it. If you're older than 50, you subtract your age from 100 and read that many pages before putting it down for good.
Their reputation as exceptional Sicilian bakers grew throughout the neighborhood. They became known for their Italian cream wedding cakes and ricotta cheese filled cannoli. Giuseppe and Gaetano purchased their first delivery truck.
A new report, published in 2025, analyses the average house prices across the country and split it down to every local authority. Gathering all the data across Reading postcodes, Caversham Emmer Green, Caversham Heights and Caversham Balmore Park have some of the highest-value homes across the region.
What is the oldest house still standing in the UK?
Saltford Manor House. ‹ The template Infobox historic site is being considered for merging. › The Saltford Manor is a stone house in Saltford, Somerset, near Bath, that is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied private house in England, and has been designated as a Grade II* listed building.
The steam locomotive that holds the title of the oldest locomotive still in regular service is the East Indian Railway No. 22, The Fairy Queen. It was built in 1855 by Kitson, Hewitson, and Thompson in Leeds, England.
