List of people from Reading, Berkshire
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{{EngvarB|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
File:John Singleton Copley - Henry Addington, First Viscount Sidmouth - 26-1929 - Saint Louis Art Museum.jpg by John Singleton Copley, 1798. Addington served as Prime Minister from 1801 to 1804]]
This is a list of notable people with a strong connection with the town of Reading in the English county of Berkshire. Normally these will be people who were born in Reading, or who have lived in the town, or who have represented the town in some way, for example by acting as its Member of Parliament. This list does not include people whose sole connection to the town is to have been born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The listing is in alphabetic order of surname.
See also: Academics of the University of Reading and Alumni of the University of Reading.
{{Compact ToC}}
A
- Nelson Abbey (b. 2003, footballer){{Cite web |date=15 December 2020 |title=Nelson Abbey signs professional contract |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2020/december/nelson-abbey-signs-professional-contract/ |access-date=15 December 2020 |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215175013/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2020/december/nelson-abbey-signs-professional-contract/ |archive-date=15 December 2020 |url-status=live}}
- Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth (1757–1844; former Prime Minister; donor of land for Royal Berkshire Hospital){{cite web|url=http://www.readinglibraries.org.uk/services/local/greatpeople.htm |title=Reading's Great People |publisher=Reading Borough Libraries |accessdate=4 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003022409/http://www.readinglibraries.org.uk/services/local/greatpeople.htm |archivedate=3 October 2010 }}
- John Alcock (1715–1806; organist and composer){{cite web | url = http://www.readinglibraries.org.uk/services/local/alternatives.htm | title = Other Great People of Reading | publisher = Reading Borough Libraries | accessdate = 4 February 2010}}
- Sir George Alexander (1858–1918; actor and theatre manager){{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Alexander, George|volume=1}}
- Sir Hugh Percy Allen (1869–1946; professor and conductor){{acad|id=ALN892HP|name=Allen, Hugh Percy}}
- Ronald Allen (1930–1991; actor){{cite book|author=Michael Scott Phillips|title=Quite Quite Fantastic! The Avengers for Modern Viewers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GeldDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA367|date=11 May 2018|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-5323-7516-3|page=367}}
- Chloe Alper (b. 1981; musician){{cite web |title=Tiny Giant at Reading + Leeds 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e2xxj5/acts/amnbc8 |website=BBC Online |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2 August 2018}}
- John Altman (b. 1952; actor){{cite news |title=The quirky and probably true facts about Reading |url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/rough--quirky-facts-probably-4269361 |accessdate=2 August 2018 |work=Get Reading |date=7 November 2003}}
- Len Andrews (1888–1969; footballer){{cite web|title=Our World War One heroes|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10306~2220780,00.html|publisher=Reading Football Club|accessdate=24 June 2011|date=15 November 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217081113/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page%2FHistory%2F0%2C%2C10306~2220780%2C00.html|archivedate=17 December 2011|df=dmy-all}}
- Jamie Ashdown (b. 1980; footballer){{cite web|last=Fordham|first=Jonny|title=Jamie Ashdown relishing return to Reading|url=http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2090467_jamie_ashdown_relishing_return_to_reading|work=Reading Post|accessdate=24 June 2011|date=1 April 2011}}
- Sir Arthur Aston (1590–1649; governor during the Siege of Reading in 1643){{cite DNB|wstitle=Aston, Arthur|volume=2}}
- Jane Austen (1775–1817; author. Went to school in Reading){{cite web | title = Jane Austen (1775–1817) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jausten.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110514055751/http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jausten.html | archive-date = 14 May 2011 | url-status = dead }}
- Rosella Ayane (b. 1996; footballer) {{Cite web |title=Rosella Ayane Profile, Statistics, & Latest News |url=https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/teams/women/players/rosella-ayane/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Tottenham Hotspur |language=en}}
B
- Ken Barrington (1930–1981; cricketer){{cite web | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/9014.html | title = Terry Baylis | publisher = ESPNcricinfo | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
- Terry Baylis (1953–2015; Holy Priest and baker ){{cite web | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/9014.html | title = Ken Barrington | publisher = ESPNcricinfo | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
- Luke Beaven (b. 1989; cricketer){{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/247250.html|title=Player profile: Luke Beaven|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 July 2011}}
- Eliza Bennett (b. 1992; actress){{cn|date=June 2023}}
- Jacqueline Bisset (b. 1944; actress){{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
- Daniel Blagrave (1603–1668; former Member of Parliament and regicide)
- John Blagrave (c1561–1611; early mathematician){{cite web | title = John Blagrave | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jblagrave.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 4 February 2010}}
- Michael Bond (1926–2017; author; creator of Paddington Bear){{cite news | first = Emma | last = Midgley | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-16964890 | title = Paddington Bear 'inspired by evacuees' says author Bond | publisher = BBC | accessdate = 13 February 2012 | date=13 February 2012}}
- Adam Boulton (b. 1959; political editor){{cn|date=June 2023}}
- Felix Bowness (1922–2009; jockey in hit BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!){{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2009/oct/04/felix-bowness-obituary |first=Gavin |last=Gaughan |date=4 October 2009 |access-date=15 June 2022 |title=Felix Bowness obituary |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615142046/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2009/oct/04/felix-bowness-obituary |archive-date=15 June 2022 |url-status=live}}
- Thomas Braddock (1556–1607; priest, translator and Headmaster of Reading School)Stephen Wright, 'Bradock, Thomas (1555/6–1607)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/3193, accessed 23 June 2017]
- Charlie Brooker (b. 1971; satirist and broadcaster){{cite news |title=Emmys 2017: Handmaid's Tale, Black Mirror, Veep among big winners |url=https://news.sky.com/story/top-winners-at-emmys-handmaids-tale-veep-saturday-night-live-11041610 |accessdate=2 August 2018 |work=Sky News |date=18 September 2017}}
- Angela Browning (b. 1946; politician){{cite news | title = Angela Browning | work = The Guardian | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/person/674/angela-browning | accessdate = 9 February 2010 | location=London}}
- Richard Burns (1971–2005; rally driver){{cite web|title=Richard Burns |publisher=Richard Burns Foundation |url=http://www.richardburnsfoundation.com/about-us/richard-burns/ |accessdate=9 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715182909/http://www.richardburnsfoundation.com/about-us/richard-burns/ |archivedate=15 July 2011 }}
- Deon Burton (b. 1976; footballer){{cite book
| editor-first = Barry J.
| editor-last = Hugman
| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11
| year = 2010
| publisher = Mainstream Publishing
| location = Edinburgh
| isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0
| page = 67 }}
- Christopher Butler (1902–1986; Roman Catholic bishop and theologian)
- Sir Clifford Charles Butler (1922–1999; physicist, co-discoverer of hyperons and mesons){{cite ODNB | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/72491 | title = Butler, Sir Clifford Charles (1922–1999), physicist | first = Ian | last = Butterworth | year = 2004 | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/72491 | accessdate = 8 February 2010}}
- David Byron (1947–1985; original lead vocalist with rock group Uriah Heep){{cite web | url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p16224/biography|pure_url=yes}} | title = David Byron (Biography)|last = Ankeny | first = Jason | work = AllMusic | publisher = All Media Network | accessdate = 21 December 2009}}
C
- William Cadogan, Earl Cadogan (1675–1726; commander-in-chief of the British Army){{cite web | title = William Cadogan, Earl Cadogan (1672–1726) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/wcadogan.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Alfred Cannan (born 1968; Chief Minister of the Isle of Man since 2021)
- John Cennick (1718–1755; early Methodist and Moravian evangelist and hymnwriter)
- Percy Chapman (1900–1961; cricketer, captain of the victorious England 1926 Ashes team){{cite web | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/10705.html | title = Percy Chapman | publisher = ESPNcricinfo | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
- William Macbride Childs (1869–1939; historian, instrumental in creation of the University of Reading, first Vice-Chancellor){{cite ODNB | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/32402 | title = Childs, William Macbride (1869–1939), educationist | first = T.A.B. | last = Corley | year = 2004 | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/32402 | accessdate = 8 February 2010}}
- Alexander Ross Clarke (1828–1914; geodesist; director of the measurement department of the Ordnance Survey)
- Alan Clayson (b. 1951; musician and author){{cite needed|reason=to justify link with Reading; target article makes no mention|date=June 2022}}
- Alma Cogan (1932–1966; popular singer of the 1950s)
- Rebecca Cooke (b. 1983), swimmer, gold medallist at the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/swimming/3031337/Swimming-Eager-Cooke-turns-up-the-heat.html |title=Swimming: Eager Cooke turns up the heat |first=James |last=Mossop |date=21 July 2002 |work=The Telegraph |accessdate=13 March 2018}}
- William Cowen (b. 2003), trampoline gymnast, medallist at the Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships{{Cite web |title=COWEN William - FIG Athlete Profile |url=https://www.gymnastics.sport/site/athletes/bio_detail.php?id=48512 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=www.gymnastics.sport}}
- Phoebe Cusden (1887–1981; socialist, trade unionist, educator, peace campaigner and Mayor of Reading){{cite web |title=Phoebe Cusden, Mayor of Reading 1946-47 Photograph by C.E.May - 1946 |url=http://collections.readingmuseum.org.uk/index.asp?page=record&mwsquery=({search}=*{Cusden})&filename=REDMG&hitsStart=15 |website=Reading Museum |publisher=Reading Museum |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111130838/http://collections.readingmuseum.org.uk/index.asp?page=record&mwsquery=({search}=*{Cusden})&filename=REDMG&hitsStart=15 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-status=live}}
D
- Lisa Daniely (born Mary Elizabeth Bodington) (1929–2014) actress{{cite news|last=Kavanagh|first=Anne|title=Lisa Daniely obituary|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/24/lisa-daniely-obituary|access-date=14 January 2017|work=The Guardian|date=24 February 2014}}
- Simon Doonan (b. 1952; creative director of Barneys department store in New York City){{cite news | first = Laura | last = Burton | title = Fashion should be funny | publisher = Guardian News and Media Ltd | url = https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2008/sep/25/television.fashion | date = 25 September 2008 | accessdate = 10 November 2009 | location=London}}
- Natalie Dormer (b. 1982; actress){{Cite web|title=Natalie Dormer Facts {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/facts/Natalie-Dormer|access-date=2022-02-15|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}
- Evelyn Dunbar (1906–1960; war artist){{cite ODNB | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/63781 | title = Dunbar (married name Folley), Evelyn Mary (1906–1960), painter | first = Alan | last = Windsor | year = 2004 | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/63781 | accessdate = 15 February 2010}}
- Tony Durant (b. 1928; former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite web | title = Mr Anthony Durant | url = https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/anthony_durant/reading_west | publisher = TheyWorkForYou.com | work = UK Citizens Online Democracy | accessdate = 22 February 2010}}
E
- Peter Emery (1926-2004; former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite web | url = http://www.leighrayment.com/commons/Rcommons1.htm | title = The House of Commons Constituencies Beginning With "R" | work = Leigh Rayment's Peerage Page | publisher = Leigh Rayment | date = 8 March 2010 | access-date = 8 March 2010 | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170609224535/http://www.leighrayment.com/commons/Rcommons1.htm | archive-date = 9 June 2017 }}
- Michael East (1978-); 2002 Commonwealth Games 1500m champion{{cite needed|reason=target article claims he is from Reading but doesn't source that claim|date=June 2022}}
- Henry of Essex (?–c.1170; royal standard bearer and loser of a trial by combat on De Montfort Island)
- John Eynon (?–1539; pastor of St Giles' Church, martyred at the dissolution of the monasteries){{cite web |title=Blessed John Eynon |work=CatholicSaints.Info |date=13 November 2015 |url=https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-john-eynon/ |accessdate=24 October 2017}}
F
- Hugh Cook Faringdon (?–1539) last Abbot of Reading Abbey. Martyred at the dissolution of the monasteries
- Lilian Fontaine (née Ruse, formerly de Havilland) (1886–1975) English actress. Mother of actresses Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GII0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5201%2C2565884 |title=Lilian Fontaine, Actress, Dies |author=UPI |newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press |date=22 February 1975 |accessdate=10 September 2015}}
- Michael Foot (1913–2010) politician
- Justin Fletcher (b. 1970) Children's TV personality{{cite news|title=Children's TV star appointed MBE|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/7453611.stm|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=6 January 2012|date=13 June 2008}}
G
- Ricky Gervais (b. 1961; comedian){{cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/5158001/Ricky-Gervais-Grumpy-middle-aged-man.html | title = Ricky Gervais: Grumpy middle-aged man | first = Nigel | last = Farndale | work = The Daily Telegraph | date = 19 April 2009 | accessdate = 16 February 2010 | location=London}}
- David Gill (b. 1957; football executive){{cite web|title=David Gill|url=http://www.uefa.org/about-uefa/executive-committee/news/newsid=1962085.html|website=UEFA.org|accessdate=15 May 2016}}
- Jane Griffiths (b. 1954; former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite news|url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/0,9290,-8377,00.html |title=Ask Aristotle – Griffiths, Jane – Summary |work=The Guardian |accessdate=14 August 2006 |location=London |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103183425/http://politics.guardian.co.uk/person/0%2C9290%2C-8377%2C00.html |archivedate=3 November 2005 }}
H
- Lambert Beverly Halstead (1933–1991; palaeontologist and populariser of science)
- Neil Halstead (b. 1970; musician, founding member of Slowdive and Mojave 3{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/neil-halstead-mn0000329602/biography |title=Neil Halstead Biography |website=AllMusic |accessdate=10 February 2014}}
- Bernard Laurence Hieatt (1909–1930 Motorcycle sidecar champion & world record holder){{cite web |url=http://berksandbucks.greatbritishlife.co.uk/article/readings-forgotten-boy-hero--bernard-lawrence-hieatt-26616/ |title=Readings Forgotten Boy hero |accessdate=17 December 2011}}
- John Howard Hinton (1791–1873; author and Baptist minister)
- Ernest Hives (1886–1965; aero-engine designer and industrialist)
- Richard Howitt (b. 1961– Labour MEP for the East of England was born in Reading)
- Joseph Huntley (1775–?; innovative biscuit maker; founder of Huntley & Palmers){{cite web|url=http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/manufacture/handp.html |title=Huntley and Palmers |work=Reading History Trail |accessdate=16 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117130121/http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/radstock/rht/themes/manufacture/handp.html |archivedate=17 January 2010 }}
I
- Rufus Isaacs, Marquess of Reading (1860–1935; lawyer, politician, former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite ODNB | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/34119 | title = Isaacs, Rufus Daniel, first marquess of Reading (1860–1935), politician and judge | first = A. | last = Lentin | year = 2004 | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/34119 | accessdate = 17 February 2010}}
J
- Sarah Jory (1969), musician
K
- Joseph Anthony Kelly (b.1958; editor and theologian){{cite web|url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/uk-catholic-leaders-of-today-2022-writers-and-journalists/ |title=Catholic Herald: UK Catholic Leaders of Today 2022: Writers and Journalists |access-date=2023-01-03}}
- John Kendrick (1573–1624; merchant and mayor)
- Fran Kirby (b. 1993; footballer){{cite news|last=Trehan|first=Dev|title=England striker Fran Kirby says Reading means 'everything' to her|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9773998/england-striker-fran-kirby-says-reading-means-everything-to-her|access-date=2 August 2018|work=Sky Sports|publisher=Sky plc|date=24 March 2015}}
- Miranda Krestovnikoff (b. 1973; biologist and television presenter){{cite news|date=14 September 2008|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article4723948.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201074459/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article4723948.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2008|title=The new women wildlife presenters|first=Charlotte|last=Hunt-Grubbe|work=The Times|accessdate=17 September 2010|location=London}}
- Jeremy Kyle (b. 1965; radio and television presenter){{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/my-secret-life-jeremy-kyle-chat-show-host-44-1995731.html|title=My Secret Life: Jeremy Kyle, chat show host, 44|last=Philby|first=Charlotte|date=12 June 2010|work=The Independent|accessdate=15 September 2011|location=London}}
L
- William Laud (1573–1645; former archbishop of Canterbury)
- David Lean (1908–1991; film director and producer)
- John Lee (b. 1927; former Member of Parliament for Reading)
- Nikolai Liakhoff (1897–1962; pioneer of guide dog training)
- SG Lewis (b. 1994; DJ, singer, producer)
M
- Sir John Madejski (b. 1941; entrepreneur and philanthropist){{cite news|date=9 December 2006 |url=http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/comment/article2060012truejej.ece |title=John Madejski: 'Without deep pockets you are wasting your time' |work=The Independent |accessdate=17 February 2010 |location=London |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224113915/http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/comment/article2060012.ece |archivedate=24 December 2007 }}
- Ken Major (1928–2009; architect and molinologist){{cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6787679.ece | title=Kenneth Major: heritage architect and author | work=The Times | accessdate=17 February 2010 | location=London | date=8 August 2009}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
- William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke (1146–1219; Earl Marshal and Regent of England)
- Henry Marten (1602–1680; regicide, Parliamentarian Governor of Reading)
- Peter May (1929–1994; cricketer){{cite web | url = http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/16956.html | title = Peter May | publisher = ESPNcricinfo | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
- Tom McIntyre (b. 1998, footballer).{{cite web | url = https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/19407550.reading-defender-tom-mcintyre-signs-new-deal-madejski/ | publisher = Reading Chronicle | accessdate = 1 August 2022| title = Star defender Tom McIntyre signs new three year deal to stay at Reading }}
- Mary Russell Mitford (1787–1855; author, poet and playwright)
- Sir Sam Mendes (b. 1965; director){{cite web | title=Sam Mendes Biography | url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/67/Sam-Mendes.html | work=filmreference | year=2008 | accessdate=17 February 2010}}
- James Merrick (1720–1769; poet and scholar)
- Shawn Michaels (b. 1965, professional wrestler)
- Catherine, Princess of Wales (née Catherine Middleton) (b. 1982; married to Prince William){{cite web | url = http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/TheDuchessofCambridge/TheDuchessofCambridge.aspx | title = The Duchess of Cambridge | publisher=The Royal Household | accessdate =2 May 2011}}
- Ian Mikardo (1908–1993; former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite web | title = Ian Mikado | url = http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpn=Ian_Mikardo&mpc=Reading&house=commons | work = The Public Whip | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Sir Francis Moore (1558–1621; lawyer, former Member of Parliament for Reading){{cite web | title = Sir Francis Moore (1558–1621) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/fmoore.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Hayden Mullins (b. 1979; footballer){{cite web|title=Reading midfielder Hayden Mullins sad at Portsmouth exit|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17397552|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=19 March 2012|date=16 March 2012}}
N
- Arthur Negus (1903–1985; broadcaster and antiques expert)
- John Newbery (1713–1767; publisher and bookseller)
- Charlotte Nichols (born 1991), member of UK parliament for Warrington North since 2019 representing the Labour Party (UK)
O
- Cormac Murphy O'Connor (1932–2017; former archbishop of Westminster and head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales){{cite web |last=Miranda |first=Salvador |title=Cormac Murphy-O'Connor |url=http://www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios-m.htm#Murphy |work=The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church |accessdate=9 April 2009 }}
- Mike Oldfield (b. 1953; composer and artist){{cite web | title = Music From The Darkness – Chapter One – To the Manor Born – 1953 to 1972 | url = http://www.mikeoldfield.org/info/features/1953.htm | accessdate = 18 February 2010 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110727084501/http://www.mikeoldfield.org/info/features/1953.htm | archivedate = 27 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }}
P
- George Palmer (1818–1897; biscuit manufacturer, entrepreneur and politician; proprietor of Huntley & Palmers)
- George William Palmer (1851–1913; son of George Palmer, also a politician and proprietor of Huntley & Palmers)
- Jonathan Perkins (b. 1976; cricketer){{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/18662.html |title=Jonathan Perkins |work=cricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media Ltd |accessdate=13 March 2018}}
- Sir Constantine Henry Phipps,(1656–1723), Lord Chancellor of Ireland.Dunlop, Robert Constantine Phipps Dictionary of National Biography 1885–1900
- Dick Poole (cyclist; first man to cycle from Land's End to John o'Groats in under two days){{cite web |url=http://readingvelodromeracing.co.uk/racing/dernyracing.aspx |title=Reading Velodrome Racing – Derny Racing |publisher=Readingvelodromeracing.co.uk |accessdate=15 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219072300/http://readingvelodromeracing.co.uk/racing/dernyracing.aspx |archivedate=19 February 2009 |df=dmy-all }}
- Rev Dr John Pordage (1607–1681; priest and mystic, vicar of St Laurence's){{cite web | title = Rev. Dr. John Pordage (1607–1681) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jpordage.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Fred Potts (1892–1943; holder of the Victoria Cross){{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/10_october/29/victoriacross.shtml | title = The hero round the corner – the story of Reading's only Victoria Cross | publisher = BBC | date = 29 October 2009 | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
- Stuart Price (b. 1977; electronic musician){{cite web | title = Jacques Lu Cont | url = http://thedjlist.com/djs/JACQUES_LU_CONT/ | publisher = The DJ List, Inc | accessdate = 18 February 2010}}
S
- Martin Salter (b. 1954; former Member of Parliament for Reading West){{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7881299.stm |title=Salter bows out at next election |publisher=BBC News |date=10 February 2009}}
- Lawrie Sanchez (b. 1959; footballer and manager){{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/4776680/Sanchez-eager-to-graduate-with-honours.html |title=Sanchez eager to graduate with honours |work=The Daily Telegraph |first=Steve |last=Thompson |date=8 April 2001 |accessdate=3 March 2010 | location=London}}
- Percival Sanger (1899—1968, first-class cricketer and an officer in both the British Army and the British Indian Army){{cite web|url=http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/32/32586/32586.html |title=Player profile: Percival Sanger |publisher=CricketArchive |accessdate=2019-04-13 |url-access=subscription}}
- Harriet Scott (b. 1993) footballer for the Republic of Ireland national team
- Richard Sheepshanks (1794–1855; astronomer){{acad|id=SHPS811R|name=Sheepshanks, Richard}}
- Yasmina Siadatan (b. 1981; businesswoman){{cite web|title=Yasmina Siadatan wins The Apprentice|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2052103_yasmina_siadatan_wins_the_apprentice|work=Reading Post|accessdate=24 June 2011|date=8 June 2009}}
- Charles Simeon (1759–1836; English evangelical clergyman){{acad|id=SMN779C|name=Simeon, Charles}}
- Sir John Simeon (1756–1824; former Member of Parliament for Reading)
- George Blackall Simonds (1843–1929; sculptor and brewer){{cite web | url=http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/gbsimonds.html | title=George Blackall Simonds | work=Royal Berkshire History | publisher=Nash Ford Publishing | year=2004 | last=Simonds | first=Raymond | accessdate=7 March 2007}}
- William Blackall Simonds (1761–1834; brewer and banker){{cite web | title = William Blackall Simonds (1761–1834) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/wbsimonds.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- William Albert Smallcombe (1892-1992); curator of Reading Museum from 1926-1957{{Cite journal|author=Baker, Brian R.|date=1992|title=The Reading Naturalist|url=http://rdnhs.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/naturalist44w.pdf|journal=Reading and District Natural History Society|volume=44|page=2}}
- Goldwin Smith (1823–1910; historian and journalist){{cite web | url = http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?&id_nbr=7075 | title = Smith, Goldwin | work = Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online | publisher = University of Toronto/Université Laval | year = 2000 | accessdate = 9 February 2010}}
- Sir John Soane (1753–1837; architect){{cite web | title = Sir John Soane (1753–1837) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/jsoane.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Michael Sprott (b. 1975; professional heavyweight boxer){{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
- Sir Frank Stenton (1880–1967; professor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading)
- Matilda Stanley (1818–1908; Queen of the Gypsies){{cite web|title='Queen of the gypsies' buried at Woodland Cemetery|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/community/dayton/queen-of-the-gypsies-buried-at-woodland-cemetery-1047101.html?cxtype=rss_dayton|publisher=Daton Daily News|accessdate=24 June 2011|date=6 January 2011}}
- Dennis Stokes (1911–1998; cricketer who captained Berkshire and played first-class cricket for the Minor Counties){{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/33/33054/33054.html|title=Player profile: Dennis Stokes|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=22 November 2011}}
- Peter Strickland (b. 1973; film director){{cn|date=June 2023}}
- Edith Sutton (1862-1957) first female councillor in England, first woman Mayor of Reading, suffragist {{Cite journal|date=2015–2016|title=Madam Mayor|journal=Journal of Liberal History|volume=89|pages=18}}
- Matthew Syed (b. 1970; table tennis champion, journalist, author and broadcaster){{cite web |url=http://www.personallyspeakingbureau.com/speaker/matthew-syed/ |title=Matthew Syed – Award Winning Journalist, Best-Selling Author, & Broadcaster|accessdate=1 June 2018}}
- John Sykes (b. 1959; guitarist and singer){{cite web |url=https://www.thin-lizzy.info/bio-jsykes.htm |title=John Sykes |work=Thin Lizzy - A Rock Legend |accessdate=13 March 2018}}
T
- William Henry Fox Talbot (1800–1877; early photographer)
- Thomas Noon Talfourd (1795–1854; judge and author)
- Chris Tarrant (b. 1946; radio broadcaster and original host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?){{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/chris-tarrant-confident-695677.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081216135044/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/chris-tarrant-confident-695677.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2008|title=Chris Tarrant: Confident?|work=The Independent|date=8 January 2001 | location=London | first=Deborah | last=Ross | accessdate=8 May 2010}}
- Toby Tarrant Son of Chris Tarrant. Presenter on Radio X.{{cite needed|reason=need to support 'from Reading'; only reference target article makes to Reading is that he is a fan of Reading FC|date=June 2022}}
- Elizabeth Taylor (1912–1975; novelist)
- Ethelwynn Trewavas (1900–1993; ichthyologist)
- Alexander Turner, recipient of the Victoria Cross{{cite news | url = http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/second-reading-victoria-cross-hero-7717072 | title = Second Reading Victoria Cross hero to be honoured with paving stone | first = Linda | last = Fort | date = 4 September 2014 | publisher = getreading.co.uk | accessdate = 26 December 2014}}
V
- Tanfield Vachell (1602–1658; former Member of Parliament for Reading and owner of Coley Park){{cite web |url=http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/tvachell.html |title=Tanfield Vachell (1602-1658) |publisher=Nash Ford Publishing |accessdate=13 March 2018}}
- Gerard Folliott Vaughan (1923–2003; psychiatrist and former Member of Parliament for Reading East){{cite news | last = Roth | first = Andrew | title = Obituary – Sir Gerard Vaughan | date = 5 August 2003 | accessdate = 22 February 2010 | work = The Guardian | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/politicsobituaries/story/0,1441,1012254,00.html | location=London}}
W
- Kevin Warwick (b. 1954; scientist){{Cite web |url=http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/interviews/cyborg-pioneer-prof-kevin-warwick/1010452.article |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101135612/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/interviews/cyborg-pioneer-prof-kevin-warwick/1010452.article |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 November 2011 |title=The Engineer Interview: Cyborg pioneer Professor Kevin Warwick |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=20 March 2012 }}
- Neil Webb (b. 1963; footballer){{cite web | title = Neil Webb | url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=8366 | work = Soccerbase.com | publisher = Centurycomm Limited | access-date = 22 February 2010}}
- Sir Thomas White (1492–1567; merchant, founder of St John's College at Oxford University){{cite web | title = Sir Thomas White (1492–1567) | url = http://www.berkshirehistory.com/bios/twhite.html | work = Berkshire History | publisher = Nash Ford Publishing | accessdate = 23 February 2010}}
- Doug "The Anarchist" Williams (b. 1972; wrestler){{cite web | url = http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/doug-williams.html | title = Doug Williams Profile | date=8 April 2012| publisher=Online World of Wrestling | accessdate = 22 February 2010}}
- Rob Wilson (b. 1965; former Member of Parliament for Reading East){{cite web |url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/election2010/readingeast/#conservative |title=Reading East |accessdate=18 August 2010 |work=Reading Chronicle |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206200312/http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/election2010/readingeast/#conservative |archivedate=6 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}
- Kate Winslet (b. 1975; actress){{cite web| url = http://www.biography.com/people/kate-winslet-9534599|title=Kate Winslet Biography: Film Actress, Television Actress (1975–)|publisher=Biography.com (FYI / A&E Networks) | accessdate= 7 July 2016}}
- Pamela Wolfe (b. 1950; artist and children's book illustrator), emigrated to New Zealand in 1953{{Cite web|url=http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/writer/wolfe-pamela/|title={{!}} New Zealand Book Council|website=www.bookcouncil.org.nz|access-date=2018-04-16}}
- Lucy Worsley (b. 1973; historian and television personality){{cite web | title = Lucy Worsley | url = http://www.lucyworsley.com/about-me.html | accessdate = 20 October 2011 | location = lucyworsley.com/about-me | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110223002423/http://www.lucyworsley.com/about-me.html | archivedate = 23 February 2011 | df = dmy-all }}