Reigate Priory, Reigate, Surrey (now a school and museum)
The Priory was founded early in the 13th Century, by the then Earl of Surrey as a monastery for the canons of the Order of St Augustine. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1536, the estate was then passed to Lord William Howard, who converted the priory into a magnificent residence. Lord Howard is chiefly remembered as being the commander-in-chief of the English fleet in their battle against the Spanish Armada, in 1588.
In 1779, the building was significantly altered and the current Palladian front was constructed. Many artefacts from this period and earlier are still retained, these include a unique fireplace which is reputed to have been built by Holbien and is believed to be the finest example existing in the world today, and also the graceful late 17th Century original staircase, the creator of which remains a mystery.
Reigate Priory is now a Grade 1 listed building, set in 65 acres of open parkland, with beautiful gardens, a lake, and good recreational facilities. It now houses both Reigate's Priory School and Priory Museum, which has recently been renovated. The Priory attracts many visitors each year, not only to see the Norman castle remains and caves, but also artefacts exhibited in the town's museum.
Reigate Priory
Reigate Priory - an old postcard