A Brief History

Beginnings of the Town

The Town now known as Reigate lay between the Roman Stane Street on the West and the Roman road through Godstone on the East, both of which could be reached by means of the pre-historic track (the present Pilgrim's Way) along the downs.

The name of Reigate appears to have evolved from the name 'Ridgegate' after the passage through the ridge of the South Downs.

The Doomsday Book

The Doomsday book, which was commissioned in December 1085 by William the Conqueror, records the Town of Reigate as Cherchefelle.

Pilgrims

It is a popular belief that during 13th - 16th century, medieval Pilgrims journeying along the Pilgrim's Way to and from Canterbury would descend Colley Hill by a track which joined Nutley Lane to gain access to the Town. Slipshoe Street, at the bottom of the Lane, is romantically named as it was said that it was here that the pilgrims would remove their shoes before entering a chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, which stood opposite the Red Cross Inn in an island in the road.

The Market Place

Anciently, the Market Place was at the end of the Town near the entrance of Nutley Lane.

About the time of the Reformation (around 1536), the Market was moved to the opposite end of the Town and a Chapel dedicated to St Thomas Becket was used as a Market House.

The Roads

Until the latter part of the 18th Century, the Reigate road system centred on the Old Market Place at the junction of Nutley Lane, Upper West Street and Slipshoe Street.

The Surrey Quarter Session records of 1661 show Nutley, or as it was then called, Nettley Lane to be 'out of repair, muddy and dangerous and in such decay ... that the lieges of our lord the King are unable to pass and ride on the said highway without great peril to the grave damage and annoyance of the said lieges.'

The derivation of “nettley” was simply that the original lane became overgrown with nettles, though which the pilgrims had to push their way.

This charge was repeated in 1662, 1663 and 1664 when the inhabitants acknowledged their default and were fined 2s 6d.

In 1780, the state of Reigate's roads was very poor and very few people visited the Town. Farmers used to bring their corn to market on the backs of horses.

The Municipal Borough

In 1863 the Town of Reigate was constituted a municipal borough. It was divided into two wards; Eastern and Western, and was governed by a Mayor, 6 Alderman and 17 Councillors.

Oatmeal

Formally, the inhabitants of Reigate carried on a considerable trade in oatmeal. At one time around 20 mills were used in its manufacture, but as trade gradually died away, the mills were demolished.

If you are aware of any interesting historical facts or anecdotes relating to Reigate or Nutley Lane, please let us know.