Reading was originally founded as Readingum during the eighth century. The name Reading Abbey was established in 1121 by King Henry I.
During England's Revolution of 1688, Reading was the only town to have significant fighting. The second Battle of Reading occurred there between the Dutch Republic and soldiers loyal to James II.
Reading became famous for its brewing during the eighteenth century.
Marianne Faithfull, Ricky Gervais, Stacy Keach, Sam Mendes, Ayrton Senna, Oscar Wilde, Beth Winslet, Kate Winslet, and Jane Austen all have lived in Reading at one point during their lives.
The Reading Festival has been held in Reading since 1971. It is one of England's largest music festivals with many famous acts playing there every year.
The population of Reading is just more than143,000, or over 232,000, if you include the metro and suburban area.
