Holmesdale Natural History Club Museum, Croydon Road, Reigate

Image: © Ian Capper Taken: 15 Jun 2008

The Holmesdale Natural History Club is one of the oldest natural history societies in the country, founded in 1857. Its purpose is "to promote the study of natural history, local history, archaeology and geology in the vicinity of Reigate". As well as regular meetings and outings, including a children's section, it runs a small museum of birds and eggs, insects and plants, as well as fossils and items of archaeological and geological interest. Although the emphasis is on local items, the historic basis was private collections donated in the past, including items gathered from abroad. There is also a book collection. The name Holmesdale refers to the valley in which Reigate stands, between the North Downs and the Lower Greensand Ridge immediately to the south. Its premises are a small group of terraced cottages set back from Croydon Road, part of which it purchased in 1910, with the remainder donated in 1919. They were formerly outbuildings of "Great Doods", a 16th century mansion demolished in the early 20th century, much of its former estate having already been sold off for development from 1897 onwards - the club premises are one of the few buildings that remained.

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