Reigate is a commuter town in Surrey near London. It is part of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead.

History

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

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.

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 base in Lewes, Sussex. 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.

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.

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.

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 ballet dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn was born in Reigate.

See also

• London Defence Positions