Battle of Reading (1688)

The Battle of Reading, also known as the Skirmish at Reading, took place on December 9, 1688, during the Glorious Revolution. It was a minor military engagement between forces loyal to King James II and those supporting William of Orange, who had landed in England to claim the throne.

The battle occurred in Reading, Berkshire, England. William of Orange's advance guard, commanded by Colonel John Berkeley, attempted to secure Reading for William. They encountered resistance from a garrison loyal to James II, led by Colonel Sir John Scott.

The fighting was relatively brief and involved skirmishes and street fighting within the town. The King's forces were outnumbered and, after a short period of resistance, were forced to retreat. William's forces secured Reading, further consolidating his control of the country.

The Battle of Reading was not a major military engagement compared to other battles in British history. Its significance lies in its contribution to the overall success of the Glorious Revolution. The capture of Reading helped William of Orange secure a strategic position and further undermined James II's authority, leading to his eventual abdication and William's ascension to the throne.

While casualties were light, the event marked a significant turning point in the revolution and contributed to the peaceful transfer of power from James II to William III and Mary II. The battle is sometimes overlooked due to its limited scale, but it played a role in the wider context of the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England.