The name Battle of Reading is given to two separate engagements near the town of Reading, Berkshire.

Danish Invasion

On January 4 871, Ethelred of Wessex and his brother Alfred attacked a Danish army which was invading Britain and was camped near Reading. Although many Danes were killed, the Saxons under Ethelred were defeated and driven from the field with great slaughter.

1688

In November 1688 William and Mary landed at the head of a Protestant army. On the 9 December James II sent part of his army to Reading to stop the march of the protestant army.

The people of Reading sent a messenger to William to ask for help, and a relief force of about 250 Dutch troops were sent to the town. They attacked from an unexpected direction, and James's troops soon retreated in confusion.