The town's name comes from the land's previous owner - William Speight who was a member of the first assembly. This little village was the port that Ayscue could not take, when dispatched by Cromwell to quell the insurrection in Barbados in 1649. The Barbadians were loyal to Charles 1, and would not accept Cromwell as their protector. For 6 months Ayscue was unable to land in Barbados, and concentrated attacks on Speightstown were repelled by the small forts along the shore. The tiny Island was landed only with the help of a defector who led Ayscue and his men to land at Oistins Town where they met with representatives of the island and signed what has become known as the "Charter of Barbados". Signed in 1652, the agreement gave Barbados rights and privileges unheard of in any other Island. In particular it guaranteed that Barbados could not be taxed without the consent of a Barbados General Assembly. Speightstown was the first major port and commercial centre of Barbados. Falling into disrepair and neglected over the years it has now been revived with a number of exciting initiatives. There are excellent hotels and restaurants in the area as well as an art gallery, and some fine examples of original Barbados architecture. It is often said that Reading is home to the largest number of Barbadians outside Barbados. Since the 1950’s the Barbadian ("Bajan") community has made a huge contribution to the social and economic structure of Reading.