The Oracle was a workhouse that produced cloth in the English town of Reading, Berkshire.

In the 17th century, clothiers in Reading were facing competition from the north of England, where taxes were lower.

[1] On 30 December 1624, John Kendrick a clothier died leaving £7,500 to Reading and £4,000 to Newbury to help their cloth industries.

The factory was sold to the Council for £2,000, and alterations were carried out to make it suitable for use as a workhouse.

William Kendrick chose the name "Oracle" to honour his brother John, whose idea launched the facility.