Reigate is an 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.

Colley Hill, one mile north of Reigate, is the fifth highest point in Surrey at 756 feet (230 metres).

1 History
2 Travel
3 Famous residents
4 Education
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] History

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

William I 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 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.

The name may derive 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.

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.

[edit] Travel

Reigate is served by Reigate railway station. During peak times direct trains run to London Victoria in 40 minutes. Off peak trains run to Gatwick airport, Reading and Redhill. Reigate is a few minutes from Junction 8 of the M25.

[edit] Famous residents

Ventriloquist Ray Alan (and Lord Charles)
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.
Current British Touring Car Championship ace Tom Chilton was born and lives in Reigate
DJ Fatboy Slim, real name Norman Cook, was born in Reigate and went Reigate Grammar School.
Ballet dancer Dame Margot Fonteyn was born here.
The prolific photographer Francis Frith lived here.
Melvin Hayes aka Gloria in "It Ain't half Hot Mum" used to live in Glovers Road.
Actress Kate Maberly, star of the 1993 feature film The Secret Garden, was born here.
Comedian Spike Milligan used to live in Woodhatch in Meadow Way.
ITV's News Presenter Nicholas Owen currently lives in Reigate
The visionary English artist Samuel Palmer (1805-1881) is buried in a Reigate churchyard, having lived in Reigate from about 1860-1862.
Caroline Quentin was born in Reigate.
One half of Little Britain, David Walliams (né Williams) went to Reigate Grammar School.