The Battle of Reading (or Battle of Broad Street or The Reading Skirmish or The Reading Fight) was a battle in 1688 at Reading in the English county of Berkshire. It was the only substantial military action in England during the Glorious Revolution. It was celebrated in Reading for hundreds of years afterwards.
In November 1688 Stadtholder William III landed at the head of a Dutch army in attempt to wrest control of the country. After retreating ...
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The Battle of Reading (or Battle of Broad Street or The Reading Skirmish or The Reading Fight) was a battle in 1688 at Reading in the English county of Berkshire. It was the only substantial military action in England during the Glorious Revolution. It was celebrated in Reading for hundreds of years afterwards.
In November 1688 Stadtholder William III landed at the head of a Dutch army in attempt to wrest control of the country. After retreating from Salisbury James II's main force was stationed on Hounslow Heath while an advance guard of 600 were placed at Reading to stop the march of the Dutch towards London. These 600 troops were composed of Irish Catholics under Patrick Sarsfield, who wild rumour asserted were planning to massacre the townsfolk.
On Sunday 9 December James II sent part of his army to Reading to stop the march of the invasion force. The people of Reading had already sent a messenger to William who was at Hungerford to ask for help, and a relief force of about 250...
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