Reigate Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Surrey, and around 20 miles south of central London, is the town of Reigate.

The settlement's original name according to the Domesday Book of 1086 was 'Cherchefelle', which is thought to mean 'open space by the hill or barrow'. The first record of the name 'Reigate' dates from around the 1190s, and is believed to mean 'roe deer gate' in reference to its proximity to a deer park.

Following the Norman invasion of 1066, the area comprising Reigate was a manor which was granted to William de Warenne - a nobleman who fought at the Battle of Hastings. Sometime around the late 11th or early 12th century, the de Warenne family ordered the construction of Reigate Castle. Around the year 1150 they ordered that a town be built just south of the castle, where modern-day Reigate stands to this day.

In 1216 the castle was captured by the French, along with many others in southern England. From the late 14th century it was occupied by a number of Lords of the Manor of Reigate. In 1648 it was garrisoned by Parliamentary troops during the latter stages of the English Civil War. By 1663 the castle was still standing but decayed, and the remains were demolished in 1777. During that same year, the castle grounds were converted into a private garden. This went on to become a public park in 1873, and is accessible to all via a number of entry points including the High Street as demonstrated in this walk.

From around the early 17th century Reigate became a producer of oatmeal, supplying the Royal Navy. This industry declined around the mid 18th century. Two surviving windmills stand in the town - one on Reigate Heath to the west of the town centre, and one on Wray Common to the east. Another distinct landmark of Reigate is the Old Town Hall. Featured around the 10-and-a-half minute mark, this building was completed in 1728, and is Grade II listed.

In 1849 the railway arrived in Reigate courtesy of the Reading, Guildford and Reigate Railway. Today the station has direct links to both Reading and London, making it a popular commuter town.

Famous people from Reigate include actress Caroline Quentin and musician Newton Faulkner.

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Filmed: 22nd October 2021

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cYXtffcj7jRoE15KA

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 London Road
0:40 High Street
3:15 Path to Reigate Castle Grounds
4:30 Reigate Castle Grounds
9:32 Path to High Street
10:10 High Street
11:32 Church Street