Reigate

Reigate, a thriving market-town of Surrey, pleasantly situated at the southern base of the North Downs, 21 miles S. of London. Of the castle of the Earls of Warrenne little remains save a grassy mound, with large vaults or caverns beneath it. The church, with Transition Norman piers, but mainly Perpendicular, contains the grave of Lord Howard of Effingham, and a library (1701) with some curious MSS. and many of Evelyn's books. Other buildings are the public hall (1861) and the grammar-school (1675). Foxe the martyrologist is claimed for a resident; and Archbishop Usher died here. Till 1832 Reigate returned two members to parliament, and then one till 1867. It was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1863. Pop. (1851) 4927; (1881) 18,662; (1891) 22,646.