|
|
Reigate's caves
A total of 15 images. Currently displaying images 1 to 10.
Other views of Reigate Castle . . . Reigate Castle grounds The castle gateway The Castle Grounds in snow
A plan of Reigate Castle caves from 1804. The plan above shows the castle caves as they appeared in 1804. The tunnel starts at the castle boundary at point G (which was blocked up at this time), and runs upwards to point A in the middle of the castle. The Baron's Cave was a later addition to the original passage, which you can see from point H in this diagram. A further chasm was subsequently added by sand mining approximately North of point D. Of course this plan is an approximation, and rather crude. There are various theories regarding the use and purpose of the Reigate Castle caves, such as being a sand mine, a dungeon, a sally port, a castle cellar, a chapel or a refuge. An old story tells of the Baron's Cave being used as a meeting place by the barons prior to the signing of the Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede. This story is however improbable. From what very little I know of the caves, I favour the idea of the original tunnel, which could date back to the original castle circa 1088, being dug as a sally port (allowing the occupants of the castle to escape or out manoeuvre opposition), with the later addition of the Baron's Cave being added as a cellar. Then in the 19th century illegal sand mining added a chasm within the castle caves, which you can see below incorrectly labelled "guard chamber". The Guard Chamber (Reigate Castle Caves). Reigate Castle Caves, Steps to Guard Chamber. Unknown date. F. Frith & Co. Ltd. Reigate Castle Caves. Guard Chamber. Unknown date. F. Frith & Co. Ltd. Reigate Castle Caves, Baron's Hall. 1934. F. Frith & Co. Ltd. Reigate Castle Caves, Baron's Hall. 1886. F. Frith & Co. Ltd. With thanks to Mr. R. Albert. Baron's Hall. Castle Grounds, Reigate, Surrey. Unknown date. Nick Catford. With thanks to P. Burgess, Wealden Cave and Mine Society. Entrance to the Baron Caves, Reigate. 1906. Valentine's Series.
Website Copyright © 2002-2026 Paul Walters.
Ownership of all of the material on this website remains with the respective owners. No part of the website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic or manual, without prior permission from the website author. Please read a statement on copyright, our privacy policy, and our cookie policy. |
|
Latest comments
Peggy McLeay, Nelson New Zealand on Saturday 27 December 2025 03:32:03.The above mentioned... John LESSORE, London on Tuesday 23 December 2025 08:55:47.Robert Aaron May, I'd... Jill Goulder, Lewes on Saturday 20 December 2025 19:55:23.Woodside: several people... Janet Jones, UK on Sunday 07 December 2025 18:41:38.I live in the small... Howard Malleson, Horsham on Monday 17 November 2025 18:36:39.I have come to this... Richard Jackson, Redhill on Sunday 16 November 2025 17:03:57.Hi Robert, Lily and Fred... Joan Apps, Reigate on Sunday 02 November 2025 15:22:11.Elaine Hook. You do not... Alastair Barnes, Burgess Hill on Friday 17 October 2025 11:15:01.Architect David Richmond... See all comments ... |