The Barons’ Cave, Reigate, Surrey, England

Please click on any words in white edged boxes before clicking on the box with an arrow on it.

The Barons’ Cave was built by the Second Earl of Surrey and his wife from .

This is looking back from inside to the lower entrance, which is used by the public.

Reigate Stone

It is believed to have been built as a wine cellar for the castle, which was built in the 13th century. There were two entrances and the would have almost certainly come up into the kitchens. The castle no longer stands.

top one

THIS IS THE ENTRANCE FROM THE INSIDE LOOKING UP, WITH OUR GUIDE ON THE RIGHT.

THIS IS THE UPPER ENTRANCE FROM THE OUTSIDE, WHICH IS NO LONGER USED.

Return

The cave is made of Reigate Stone, which is a type of sandstone. It is used all over the town and surrounding areas.

This picture was taken in another one of the caves in Reigate.

Return

During the 19th century it was used as a by the local people and in the Second World War it was used as an air raid shelter, as were many of the caves and tunnels in Reigate.

Here are some of the messages, names and dates people have left over the years.

sand quarry

It was very useful to people at the time. It is a silver sand and was used in glass, on pub floors and many other things.

Here is some of the sand. Unfortunately it looks golden because of the camera flash!

More

Young boys would quarry the sand and take it to various places, often to London, and be paid with beer or wine – hence “as happy as a sand boy”!

Return

Yes, it is said that the Barons came to meet in the cave before making King John sign the Magna Carta. However, there is no evidence for this.

The Magna Carta was signed by King John and may

have been discussed

in the Barons’ Cave -

hence the name.

Return to the

beginning