IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Castlefield Road, REIGATE, RH2 0AP

Looking along the cutting north of Reigate Tunnel towards the tunnel itself. The tunnel is of great historical importance, being the earliest road tunnel built in Britain (and possibly Europe). It was built in 1823 by W Constable to avoid a detour round the Castle Mound in Reigate. It is around 50m long, bored through sandstone, and was used by vehicular traffic as recently as the 1970s, as part of the A217. Tolls were charged until 1856.

Board 11 of the Reigate Tunnel Platinum Jubilee display, this one showing the length of the reign of all monarchs since Elizabeth I.

Board 12 of the Reigate Tunnel Platinum Jubilee display, one of four boards showing pictures provided by pupils of Reigate Priory Junior School.

Board 10 of the Reigate Tunnel Platinum Jubilee display, this one commemorating the 70 years of the Reigate Society, founded in the same year as the Queen's accession.

See Image for description of whole building. This section, at the southern end, was originally the Fire Station. On the left is part of a more recent addition to the building.

Board 13 of the Reigate Tunnel Platinum Jubilee display, one of a pair commemorating the Reigate Business Guild's annual Christmas Fayre.

Reigate Castle Tunnel, constructed under the grounds of Reigate Castle in 1823, is believed to be Europe's first road tunnel. It is around 55 yards long, bored through sandstone, and was used by vehicular traffic as recently as the 1970s as part of the A217. Ian Nairn in "The Buildings of England Surrey" pointed out that it always made a dramatic entry for southbound traffic arriving in the centre of the town, whereas in the 1970s before it was finally shut to vehicular traffic it was one-way northbound only. Traffic in Reigate now goes round a one way system, of which Castle Mound forms the centre, and the tunnel is reserved for pedestrians, making a short cut from the town centre to the station. This is the view of the northern end from the cutting leading to it as dusk is falling.

Board 9 of the Reigate Tunnel Platinum Jubilee display, this one showing pictures provided by pupils of Dunottar School.

See Image for description of whole building. This section, at the southern end, was originally the Fire Station - it now houses the main entrance to the building. Beyond is the original Town Hall section of the main building, housing the old Council Chambers at first floor level.