Denomination: Anglican Church
The parish church of Reigate is set on a small hill to the south east of the town centre and is one of the largest parish churches in the Surrey. The church probably dates from the twelfth century, although the exterior is Perpendicular in appearance and was extensively restored in the nineteenth century by Henry Woodyer in 1845 and subsequently by George Gilbert Scott Junior in 1877-81.
For those interested in the detail of the church architecture, there is no clerestory to the nave; on the north side the nave roof extends down over the aisle but the south aisle has a separate roof. On each side of the chancel is a chapel and to the north a short transept, the organ chamber and the clergy vestry. Above the latter is the Cranston Library and the single storey choir vestry, with porches and lavatory, was added early this century. Adjacent to the tall west tower on the north side is the latest addition providing a kitchen, two lavatories and a boiler house at low level designed by Robert J Potter Associates, who also re-ordered the east end of the church in 1984.
The interior of St Mary’s has a great feeling of space for a parish church. The central columns of the aisle are decorated in different styles and are part of the original, 13th century church. Over the years the interior has been re-modelled and has a number of family memorials, including one to the Howard Family (Lord Howard is remembered for leading the navy against the Armada with Drake in 1588), and the Ladbroke memorial.
Apart from St Mary’s parish church there are two other church buildings within the Parish.
For those interested in the detail of the church architecture, there is no clerestory to the nave; on the north side the nave roof extends down over the aisle but the south aisle has a separate roof. On each side of the chancel is a chapel and to the north a short transept, the organ chamber and the clergy vestry. Above the latter is the Cranston Library and the single storey choir vestry, with porches and lavatory, was added early this century. Adjacent to the tall west tower on the north side is the latest addition providing a kitchen, two lavatories and a boiler house at low level designed by Robert J Potter Associates, who also re-ordered the east end of the church in 1984.
The interior of St Mary’s has a great feeling of space for a parish church. The central columns of the aisle are decorated in different styles and are part of the original, 13th century church. Over the years the interior has been re-modelled and has a number of family memorials, including one to the Howard Family (Lord Howard is remembered for leading the navy against the Armada with Drake in 1588), and the Ladbroke memorial.
Apart from St Mary’s parish church there are two other church buildings within the Parish.
