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Radical Rural

This year we're celebrating the people and movements that protect the landscapes of the English countryside.

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Explore the past and present of the English countryside, and the people whose lives and work define it.

About The MERL

Getting here

6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
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Opening hours

Full opening hours

Upcoming Events

James Joyce, ink and watercolour on paper by Tullio Pericoli
Workshop

James Joyce Enigmas and Puzzles – writing drop-in

Writing workshop inspired by the James Joyce Enigmas and Puzzles exhibition.

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Dates

Sunday 1 February 2026, 12:00 – 14:00

Author

Adults, Family, Young People

Price

No need to book

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Talks and Seminars

Conversations with a Curator: Steve Marshall

Join us for a free online talk with Steve Marshall on Edward Bawden (1903-1989) and Farmed Landscapes.

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Dates

Thursday 2 April 2026, 19:30 – 20:30

Author

Public

Price

Free, please book

Location
Online
Talks and Seminars

Conversations with a Curator: Professor Conor Carville

Join us for a free online talk with Professor Conor Carville on artworks depicting the famous Irish writer, James Joyce.

Book Now
Dates

Thursday 5 February 2026, 19:30 – 20:30

Author

Public

Price

Free, please book

Location
Online
All events and exhibitions

Latest News and Views

The MERL building, as viewed from the garden.
Author
Ollie Douglas
/
Published Date
January 5, 2026

What’s coming up in 2026

This year we’re celebrating the organisations, artists and activists who defend the voices and soul of rural England.

Hedgehog extravaganza
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 24, 2025

The Friday Walks, with Man in the Woods

In this episode of The MERL podcast, we speak to Bristol-based artist Scott about his artistic practice documenting weird Britain.

School group in the garden
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 21, 2025

Another brilliant school year

Learn about the highlights of our schools and learning programmes from the 2024/25 academic year.

Jo Clement (a woman with long brown hair and glasses) holds an object at The MERL
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
April 4, 2025

Announcing our new Fellow, Dr Jo Clement

Read how our new MERL Fellow, Dr Jo Clement, is engaging with the Robert Dawson Romany Collection to explore the heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in England.

Shepherds herding sheep across a valley.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 7, 2025

Voices: introducing our 2025 programme

Get the highlights of what’s coming up in the first half of 2025: from exhibitions and displays, to free tours and talks, plus the announcement of our official podcast.

The top of a letter to William Champion, farmer
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 5, 2025

Thomas and Austen: a gay relationship in the MERL archives?

For LGBTQ+ History Month 2025, researcher Tim Jerrome shares how he’s using rural archives to research same-sex relationships in the countryside.

All news and views

Discover upcoming events

What’s On

See what’s coming up at The MERL, with events and exhibitions for all ages and interests.