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Reigate Priory (also known as Reigate Priory, Museum and Park)

Introduction

Reigate Priory has the remains of formal gardens and pleasure grounds of around 9 hectares and a park of 20 hectares. The site probably dates from the 16th century or earlier. Features include an avenue, a pond, notable cedars and shrubberies.

The following is from the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. For the most up-to-date Register entry, please visit the The National Heritage List for England (NHLE):

www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

Remains of formal gardens and pleasure grounds (9 hectares) and a park of 20 hectares probably dating back to the 16th century or earlier. The formal gardens are set in grounds contained by a retaining wall overlooking the park to the south and west. On the south axis is a hedged enclosure, with central path, cross path and central pool. The axis terminates with steps to a raised walk. A large enclosure to the west bounded by paths is now tennis courts and a path which formerly crossed it still extends beyond the grounds to an avenue in park. Wooded pleasure grounds are located against the north and east boundaries and the Monks' Walk leads between borders. There are notable cedars and shrubberies. The garden wall probably dates from the 18th century and a boundary wall on Bell Street is rebuilt. The park has an avenue about 225 metres long through open park to the west. The Avenue leads to Priory Pond, formerly a fishpond. Part of the park is backed by woodland of roughly 24 hectares. There is open park to the south of the house. A survey dating from 1622 of Reigate Manor describes the old park, of 201 acres (roughly 81 hectares) with fine timber and fish pond. The grounds are now a school and playing fields.

REFERENCES

Country Life, 6 Apr 1918, 340; 13 Apr 1918, 362; 20 Aug 1932, 224

Pevsner N, Nairn I and Cherry B, The Buildings of England: Surrey, 1971.

Victora History of the County of Surrey III, (1911), p 231

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Telephone

01737 242179

Access contact details

The Priory Museum is open on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from Easter to December during term time only.

History

The following is from the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. For the most up-to-date Register entry, please visit the The National Heritage List for England (NHLE):

www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

The Priory was founded in 1235, converted to a house in 1541, mostly rebuilt between 1776 and 1779, and again in 1802. It was added to in 1835 and 1895 by J H Pollen, who joined stables dating back to about 1670 to the house.

Period

  • Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
  • Tudor (1485-1603)
Associated People
Features & Designations

Designations

  • The National Heritage List for England: Register of Parks and Gardens

  • Reference: GD2180
  • Grade: II
  • The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building

  • Grade: I

Features

  • Pool
  • Walk
  • Description: Raised walk.
  • Specimen Tree
  • Description: Notable cedars.
  • Shrubbery
  • Boundary Wall
  • Description: The garden wall probably dates from the 18th century.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Avenue
  • Description: The park has an avenue about 225 metres long through open park to the west.
  • Pond
  • Description: Priory Pond, formerly a fishpond.
  • Museum (featured building)
  • Description: The priory, built in 1235, was re-built from 1776 to 1779 and again in 1802. It has since been extended.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
Key Information

Type

Park

Purpose

Ornamental

Principal Building

Education

Period

Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)

Survival

Extant

Hectares

29

Open to the public

Yes

Electoral Ward

Reigate Central

References

References

Related Documents
  • CLS 1/479

    Historic Landscape Survey and Management Plan, Vol.1 - Hard copy

    Sarah Couch, Architect and Historic Landscape Consultant - 2000