Reigate Castle
| Reigate Castle | |
|
Surrey | |
|---|---|
 Reigate Castle | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ26524948 |
| Location: | 51°13’48"N, 0°11’16"W |
| Town: | Reigate |
| History | |
| Information | |
Reigate Castle stands in ruins in the town of Reigate in Surrey. It was a castle founded soon after the Norman Conquest and was the point around which today's town was founded and grew.
The castle was maintained into the early modern age but was largely demolished after the Civil War.
History
William the Conqueror granted the land around Reigate to one of his supporters, William de Warenne, who was created Earl of Surrey in 1088, and who became one of the wealthiest of the new Norman landholders. It is believed that his son, William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, ordered that Reigate Castle be built, although the de Warennes had their southern base in Lewes in Sussex, as well as castles in Yorkshire and Normandy.[1] Around 1150 the de Warennes ordered that a town be constructed below the castle. This town forms the basis of modern-day Reigate.
The origin of the name Reigate is uncertain, but one local tradition would derive it from 'Roe [deer] Gate', as the town was situated near to the entrance to the de Warenne's deer park.[2]
In 1216 during the last days of the barons' rebellion against King John, Reigate Castle was one of many captured by the French in the southern counties.
In 1347 the castle became the property of Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel. From 1397 it was owned by a number of Lords of the Manor of Reigate, including the influential Howard family. It was occupied until the 16th century, but fell into disrepair afterwards. It was demolished in 1648 after occupation as a garrison during the Civil War by followers of a Royalist uprising.[3]
In 1777, a mock mediæval gateway was built over the ruins of the original castle. An inscription is written on the side of the gateway, in Latin on one side and English on the other:
To save the memory of William earl warren who in old days dwelt here, and was a loyal champion of our liberties from perishing like his own castle by the ravages of time, Richard Barnes at his own expense erected this gateway in the year 1777.
None of the original castle buildings has survived, with the exception of the Barons' Cave.[4]
Little more is known of the castle and it has never been excavated on any great scale. Local legend says[2] prior to the signing of the Magna Carta, the rebellious barons met to hammer out the details of the document in the extensive caves beneath the castle. The story however is only a romantic legend.
The castle today
The Reigate Castle Tunnel runs under the grounds of Reigate Castle and was constructed in 1823. It is believed to be Britain's first road tunnel.[3]
The castle grounds remain as public gardens.
Caves
Tours of the Baron's and Tunnel Road Caves take place on the second Saturday of every month between (and including) May and September.[5][6]
Outside links
- Photo gallery from oldreigate.com
- Photo gallery from eCastles.co.uk
- Old Reigate: A Pictorial History