Scheduled MonumentsEnglandReigate Castle

Reigate Castle

England
List entry 1005947
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Reigate Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress founded in the late eleventh century, likely by Richard de Vernon, a prominent Norman lord. The castle originally comprised a substantial earthwork mound surrounded by defensive ditches, upon which timber or early stone fortifications would have been constructed, with an associated bailey providing additional defensive space. The site underwent significant modification during the medieval period, including the excavation of caves and underground chambers into the chalk bedrock, probably for storage or refuge purposes. Today the castle remains an important example of early Norman military architecture in Surrey, with its earthwork remains and subterranean features still substantially visible within the landscape.

Reigate Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005947. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Reigate Castle?

Reigate Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress founded in the late eleventh century, likely by Richard de Vernon, a prominent Norman lord. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005947.

Who is responsible for protecting Reigate Castle?

Reigate Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1005947.

What other scheduled monuments are near Reigate Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Medieval undercroft between West Street and Slipshoe Street, Reigate (0.2 km), The Priory, Reigate (0.4 km), Bowl barrow 20m south of Flanchford Road: part of Reigate Heath round barrow cemetery (1.3 km).

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