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Anglo Saxon Chronicle

The Anglo Saxon Chronicle was begun in the middle of the 9th Century. It detailed major events. There are two references to Reading in the Chronicles

870 In this year the army (Danish invaders) came to Reading

1006 After midsummer the Danish fleet came to Sandwich, and did just as they were used to, ravaged, burned and slew as they went. Then the king ordered the whole nation from Wessex to Mercia to be called out, and they were out on military service against the Danish army the whole autumn, yet they did no better than before. And the Danish army came after Martinmas to its safe base, the Isle of Wight, and took everything they needed; and then towards Christmas they took themselves out through Hampshire into Berkshire to the supply base at Reading; and always they observed their ancient custom, lighting beacon fires as they went.