Reigate Castle facts for kids
Reigate Castle is an old, ruined castle in the town of Reigate in Surrey, England. It has a long history, dating back to soon after the Norman Conquest. Today, its grounds are public gardens, and parts of its history, like its famous caves, can still be explored.
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History of Reigate Castle
After William the Conqueror won England, he gave the land around Reigate to one of his supporters, William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey. It is thought that William's son, William de Warenne, 2nd Earl of Surrey, ordered Reigate Castle to be built. This was around the year 1150.
The de Warenne family also had castles in other places like Lewes and Yorkshire. They decided to build a town below Reigate Castle. This town grew into the Reigate we know today. The name Reigate might come from "Roe-deer Gate," because the town was near the entrance to the de Warenne family's deer park. Another idea is that it comes from "Rhie-gat," meaning "the River's Course."
Castle Battles and Changes
In 1216, the castle was taken by French forces during a conflict in southern England. Later, in 1347, the castle became the property of the Fitzalan family, who were the Earls of Arundel. From 1397, many different Lords of the Manor of Reigate owned the castle, including the powerful Howard family.
The castle was used until the 1500s. After that, it started to fall apart. In 1648, it was torn down. This happened after it was used as a military base by Royalist supporters during the English Civil War.
In 1777, a new gateway was built over the old castle ruins. It was made to look like a medieval castle entrance. There is a special message written on the side of the gateway. It says that Richard Barnes built it to remember William Earl Warren, who lived there long ago and fought for people's freedoms. Barnes wanted to make sure his memory didn't disappear like the castle itself.
Most of the original castle buildings are gone. Only the Barons' Cave has survived. Not much more is known about the castle because it has not been fully dug up by archaeologists. A local story says that before the Magna Carta was signed, rebellious barons met in the large caves under the castle to plan the famous document.
Reigate Castle Today
The Reigate Castle Tunnel goes under the castle grounds. It was built in 1823. Many believe it was Europe's first road tunnel. Today, only people walking can use it.
The castle grounds are now beautiful public gardens for everyone to enjoy. The castle gate is also an important symbol. It is the main feature on the Reigate and Banstead town's official coat of arms.
Exploring the Caves
You can take tours of the Baron's Cave and the Tunnel Road Caves. These tours happen on the second Saturday of every month from May to September.
