Reigate Castle, a walker with her dog, and daffodils in April
Reigate Castle mock medieval gateway folly built 1777, inscription: "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" Daffodils and Crocuses growing in the dry moat banks of the original castle, in the low winter sun in February. Reigate's earliest history can be traced back to the result of the Battle of Hastings. Victorious William the Conqueror awarded the land as part of a generous grant to one of his principal knights, William de Warenne, on whom he also bestowed the title Earl of Surrey in 1088. It is believed that de Warenne's son, William De Warenne II, ordered that Reigate Castle be built, though the de Warennes were largely absentee landlords, with castles dotted around the country, their base being a castle in Lewes, Sussex. Around 1150 the de Warennes ordered that a town was constructed below the castle. The idea was for it to act as a focal point for trade and commerce, to increase the wealth of the Manor and ultimately of course, the de Warennes. The new town of Reigate, replaced a nearby settlement known as Cherchefelle. It is thought 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. Later the castle fell to ruin and was in a decayed state by the reign of King James. In 1648 it was demolished. All that remains now is a mound with a dry moat and underground caves which may well have been the dungeons. One local legend has it that prior to King John signing the Magna Carta, the Barons met in conference to hammer out the details of the document in the caves. Source of info:
Size: 3364px × 5054px
Location: REIGATE CASTLE, REIGATE, SURREY, ENGLAND
Photo credit: © Lindsay Constable / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: Yes
Keywords: april, arch, bailey, building, castellation, castle, cross, daffodils, defence, defensive, dog, folly, grass, grassy, motte, outdoor, reigate, ridgeback, slope, spring, structure, victorian, walker
