Built around 1770, the Old Red Building, formerly known as Portland Place was where former Mayor William Silver Darter attended school around 1806 – referenced in his book ‘Reminiscences of Reading’. It subsequently housed the Education Department.

The next door building was St David’s Hall primarily for those students who did not live-in. It was subsequently used by Gyosei College for accommodation.

The Friends donated:

1932 £100 Furniture for the Long Room in St David’s Hall

1971 £500 recreational facilities in the Hall.