Much of the area was taken up with the buildings and departments of Suttons seed business from the later 19th century until they moved to their new site in 1962. However, James Philips who had started his Millwrighting firm in the Kings Road, was also to be found in Abbey Square. They did work on local mills such as Mapledurham Watermill. The firm had their own foundry, but larger castings were done at Reading Iron Works. Here again the Holy Brook is visible.
