I'm facing the same issue! I've only just started my PhD, and I don't know how I'll ever conquer the reading! I'd also appreciate advice on this.

I was offered funding in April for a PhD in Victorian history that I'm beginning in September, so funding is out there. However, I didn't have an expectation of funding; had I not gone funding I would have faced the 'real world', and delegated my interest in Victorian history as a hobby.

I don't mean to offend you, but it sounds like you are really expecting funding, which just isn't realistic in this economic climate. If funding does come along then that's wonderful, but it isn't something you can count on. The volume of PhD applicants that there now is means competition is fierce, and niche topics like your own are likely to be pushed to the back of the funding queue.