Reigate

Reigate is a historic market town in Surrey, England at the foot of the North Downs. It is one of the main constituents of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead.

History

Reigate was originally called Cherchefelle, which means ‘church field’ and is mentioned in the Domesday Book

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William I awarded granted the land around Reigate to one of his supporters, William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, who was created Earl of Surrey in 1088.

Related Topics:
William I - William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey - Earl of Surrey - 1088

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It is believed that his son, William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, ordered that Reigate Castle be built, though the de Warennes had their southern base in Lewes, Sussex, as well as Sandal Castle and Conisbrough Castle in Yorkshire and a keep on the Warrenne land at Mortemer in Normandy. Around 1150 the de Warennes ordered that a town be constructed below the castle. The new town, Reigate, replaced a nearby settlement known as Cherchefelle.

Related Topics:
William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey - Reigate Castle - Lewes - Sandal Castle - Conisbrough Castle - Yorkshire - Normandy - 1150

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It is believed that the name came from Roe-deer Gate, as the town was situated near to the entrance to the de Warenne's deer park, which is now Priory Park and Reigate Park. It is reputed that prior to the signing of the Magna Carta, the rebellious barons met in conference to hammer out the details of the document in the caves beneath the castle. The castle later fell into decay and was demolished in 1648 though the grounds and the caves remain as a public garden.

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During the 13th century the Reigate Priory was founded for regular Canons of the Order of St Augustine. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1535 the estate was granted by Henry VIII to William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham, who converted the Priory into a residence. The Effingham branch of the Howard family, including the Earl of Nottingham who as Lord High Admiral commanded the force which defeated the Spanish Armada, lived there for about 140 years. The building is now used as a school.

Related Topics:
St Augustine - Henry VIII - William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham - Earl of Nottingham - Spanish Armada

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Today, Reigate has a population of about 21,820. One famous current resident of Reigate is Charlie, a parrot whose owner claims was taught by Sir Winston Churchill to curse Adolf Hitler; she is believed to be the oldest bird in the United Kingdom. The visionary English artist Samuel Palmer (1805-1881) is buried in Reigate churchyard, having lived in Reigate from about 1860-1862. The prolific photographer Francis Frith lived in Reigate, and ballet dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn was born in Reigate.

Related Topics:
Reigate - Population - Charlie - Parrot - Winston Churchill - Adolf Hitler - United Kingdom - Samuel Palmer - Francis Frith - Dame Margot Fonteyn

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