He was placed at a village where there was a ford across the river.

The post was of importance, as its position prevented the enemy from making raids into the country, where stores of provisions and cattle had been collected for the use of the army at Oxford.

Harry's force was a small one for the defense of such a post; but there appeared little danger of an attack, as Prince Rupert, with a large force of cavalry, lay but a mile or two distant.

A few days after their arrival, however, Prince Rupert started with his horse to drive back a party of the enemy whom he heard were lying some miles north of Reading.
"Prince Rupert never seems to have room for two ideas in his head at the same time," Jacob said.

"The moment he hears of an enemy off he rides at full gallop, forgetting that he has left us alone here.