A series of tests on reinforced brick and concrete block walls subjected to cyclic static loading applied in the plane of the walls is described. The parameters varied were the magnitude of bearing loads, wall aspect ratios and reinforcing percentages and distribution. The hysteresis loops from several cycles of load-deflection obtained by cycling at constant deformation, normally a multiple of the deformation at maximum load, were obtained and the walls loaded to failure. In particular, the ductility capability, stiffness degradation, load deterioration and the ductility requirements as determined by dynamic analyses are discussed in relation to the aseismic design of load bearing masonry walls.