Reigate, Surrey, England: Ada de Warenne's Birthplace

There is nothing left of the castle in Reigate, Surrey, England, that was the birthplace of Ada de Warenne (cir. 1120.) But now a beautiful garden and memorial marks the spot.

The medieval village's original name was Churchefelle, the castle being Reigate, but today the town claims the castle's name. Beautiful modern-day Reigate is rated among the highest real estate values in the UK.

Ada's father, William de Warenne II, was the Earl of Surrey until his death in 1138, and his son, William, inherited the earldom. The castle stood on a hill, and looked over the village below. There are no ruins, but a memorial stands, and gardens now fills the space--an inviting spot to come and remenisce as times gone past.

 To get to the castle yard, find the stairs to the right of Boots Pharmacy in down town Reigate. They will take you to this delightful memorial arch built in 1777 by Richard Barnes. 



The plaque reads:
"To save the memory of William Earl Warren "who in old days dwelt here, and was a loyal champion of our liberties from perishing like his own castle by the ravages of time."

No admission fee.

Tribute to Earl William de Warenne

The gardens at the top are as peaceful as one would imagine the Garden of Eden, as the first below video reveals. 

There is also a cave beneath where the castle stood, known as Baron's Cave, and is open on certain days to the public. Here is the website telling the details.

Richard Vobes' video on Reigate Castle gives more of the history of the area.