The inspiration for Wilde's Ballad of Reading Gaol is set to be sold in the autumn.
A historic jail which once held Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde is in the process of being sold, the government has said.Campaigners and Reading council hoped the space could be used as an arts hub, to recognise Wilde's detention.
The ministry has not confirmed who is buying the site but one rumour is it will be used for "charitable purposes".Wilde was condemned to his cell at the prison after being convicted of gross indecency - effectively for being gayalong with others including street artist Banksy and Oscar-winning actress Kate WinsletIt was supporting a bid from the council to buy the space but campaigner Heather Snaith said: "We know it is definitely not being sold to Reading Borough Council.
On the cultural significance of the site, she says: "This is an important place in Reading's history and a really important place for the LGBT community." Speaking in the House of Commons, prisons minister Damian Hinds said: "...barring any unexpected complications, completion is expected later this autumn."Oscar Wilde spent two years at the prison between 1895 and 1897 after being convicted of gross indecency - effectively for being gay.He spent the last three years of his life living in exile in France, where he composed his last work The Ballad of Reading Gaol, a nod to his time at the prison.
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