@@elliothartleyuk Hi Elliot Greetings from beautiful Queensland Australia. I'm a born and bred in Reigate and lived there until I was about 20 years old. Reigate, as you know, has an extensive but mediocre history and is mentioned in the Domesday Book but under a different name. My first encounter with the caves was accompanied by a friend, as I recall we were very adventurous and armed with pump action torches that caused blisters to fingers after repeated use and really didn't provide much light once we entered the caves. To get in we had to enter via someone's rear garden - unfortunately I can't remember where - and enter the caves by a device similar to a silent or dumb waiter. You could use the ropes and pullies to lower yourself or climb the frame of the device - we chose the latter. As you entered the caves through a large hole it revealed a huge cavern with evidence it had been previously used - on the walls graffiti was everywhere mainly to do with Rock and Roll and the usual love wishes. We spent some time there but really didn't go much further in as the caves opened further to several other caves, so I guess at 8 of 9 years old we were not that brave! We were intrigued by what we saw - and went back there one more time to the same area - this time with better torches but stayed in the large cavern. Fast forward a few years and my younger brother and I were at the top of Tunnel road looking around the area. I'm pretty sure we saw a sign stating "Cave tours on demand - ask Gardner" or something like that - so we did. We found a man tending to the gardens and asked him to take us into the caves. I think it cost us 6d each - a tanner - we entered the caves by the remains of the old castle, there was a strong but small wrought iron door secured by a padlock. The door reminded me of a very small portcullis in its design - I believe it's now covered by castle remains and concrete. Anyway we had a tour of the caves that essentially was walking from one part to the other and back, it was well lit, cold and dank. To me it looked just like a tunnel. Unfortunately, we did not get a potted history of the caves. Fast forward again and another trip underground in the early 70s - another friend knew another entrance - again I forget where - and we had a great time armed with modern and bright torches and left our own indelible marks in the sandstone hence David 1973. Disaster on the High Street - you may be aware of a hole appearing in the road by one of the pubs - apparently big enough for a bus to fall into - it was at this stage the Council decided the caves were a liability to people and property and decided to fill the void of the caves - ironically with sand - to try and prevent further mishaps. Obviously they kept a portion of the caves for historical and tourist purposes. You may have to search the archives of the Surrey Mirror for more information and greater clarity or ask at the pub as they may have some pictures, it happened just outside The Red Cross pub. Fast forward another couple of years and the opening of a wine bar down the High street with a rather novel seating area - chairs and tables were placed in the caves in safe areas, obviously underground. All rather different but not for everyone, personally I drink and prefer beer, but I did go there a couple of times to see the layout. In the tunnel of Tunnel road there were several entrances to small areas usually with small cottage industries. One of them was Reigate Shooting Club or Rifle Club, as you alluded to in your video. I'm fairly certain there are other entrances to the caves located there. Hope this helps and good luck with your ventures. David
Growing up in the 70,s I too used to explore these caves. Access was through the cellar of a derelict furniture shop which was situated next to where Mr exhaust now stands. At the time this was the only known entrance to this section of caves and it was slightly scary to think of all the traffic passing overhead. Lower parts of the caves were accessed through a shaft about 12ft deep with footholds either side. In the winter months there was often a large pool of water in one section. Thanks for your video, it brought back good memories.
Basic question but where did all that sand come from? You are miles from the sea! Was the River Mole much bigger in the ancient past or was Reigate perhaps a beach resort in the era of the dinosaurs? 🤔
I used to go into caves that were not seen by many, they filled the entrances in with concrete.. They were on waste land, my mates and myself used to go in them every week after finishing school at Reigate Priory..
As a kid I explored those cave extensively - I think that is my signature carved into the sandstone shown in the film - David 1973
That's such an incredible story. Do send me an email, I'd love to talk. (info@undertheledge.com)
@@elliothartleyuk
Hi Elliot
Greetings from beautiful Queensland Australia.
I'm a born and bred in Reigate and lived there until I was about 20 years old.
Reigate, as you know, has an extensive but mediocre history and is mentioned in the Domesday Book but under a different name.
My first encounter with the caves was accompanied by a friend, as I recall we were very adventurous and armed with pump action torches that caused blisters to fingers after repeated use and really didn't provide much light once we entered the caves. To get in we had to enter via someone's rear garden - unfortunately I can't remember where - and enter the caves by a device similar to a silent or dumb waiter. You could use the ropes and pullies to lower yourself or climb the frame of the device - we chose the latter.
As you entered the caves through a large hole it revealed a huge cavern with evidence it had been previously used - on the walls graffiti was everywhere mainly to do with Rock and Roll and the usual love wishes. We spent some time there but really didn't go much further in as the caves opened further to several other caves, so I guess at 8 of 9 years old we were not that brave!
We were intrigued by what we saw - and went back there one more time to the same area - this time with better torches but stayed in the large cavern.
Fast forward a few years and my younger brother and I were at the top of Tunnel road looking around the area. I'm pretty sure we saw a sign stating "Cave tours on demand - ask Gardner" or something like that - so we did. We found a man tending to the gardens and asked him to take us into the caves. I think it cost us 6d each - a tanner - we entered the caves by the remains of the old castle, there was a strong but small wrought iron door secured by a padlock. The door reminded me of a very small portcullis in its design - I believe it's now covered by castle remains and concrete. Anyway we had a tour of the caves that essentially was walking from one part to the other and back, it was well lit, cold and dank. To me it looked just like a tunnel. Unfortunately, we did not get a potted history of the caves.
Fast forward again and another trip underground in the early 70s - another friend knew another entrance - again I forget where - and we had a great time armed with modern and bright torches and left our own indelible marks in the sandstone hence David 1973.
Disaster on the High Street - you may be aware of a hole appearing in the road by one of the pubs - apparently big enough for a bus to fall into - it was at this stage the Council decided the caves were a liability to people and property and decided to fill the void of the caves - ironically with sand - to try and prevent further mishaps. Obviously they kept a portion of the caves for historical and tourist purposes. You may have to search the archives of the Surrey Mirror for more information and greater clarity or ask at the pub as they may have some pictures, it happened just outside The Red Cross pub.
Fast forward another couple of years and the opening of a wine bar down the High street with a rather novel seating area - chairs and tables were placed in the caves in safe areas, obviously underground. All rather different but not for everyone, personally I drink and prefer beer, but I did go there a couple of times to see the layout.
In the tunnel of Tunnel road there were several entrances to small areas usually with small cottage industries. One of them was Reigate Shooting Club or Rifle Club, as you alluded to in your video. I'm fairly certain there are other entrances to the caves located there.
Hope this helps and good luck with your ventures.
David
@@BAD_A_MOTHER_F Thank you so much for this. It is truly fascinating to hear about your experiences with the caves.
Elliot
Growing up in the 70,s I too used to explore these caves. Access was through the cellar of a derelict furniture shop which was situated next to where Mr exhaust now stands. At the time this was the only known entrance to this section of caves and it was slightly scary to think of all the traffic passing overhead. Lower parts of the caves were accessed through a shaft about 12ft deep with footholds either side. In the winter months there was often a large pool of water in one section. Thanks for your video, it brought back good memories.
That's fascinating! I'm glad you found some value from the video.
Nicely done! Thanks for the video; it was interesting & well shot & edited.
Thanks!
More videos coming soon, stay tuned!
The team tell me it was really good to meet you all. This is a very well put together video!
Thanks for the tour!
Basic question but where did all that sand come from? You are miles from the sea! Was the River Mole much bigger in the ancient past or was Reigate perhaps a beach resort in the era of the dinosaurs? 🤔
Well presented and documented.
Cheers!
I used to go into caves that were not seen by many, they filled the entrances in with concrete..
They were on waste land, my mates and myself used to go in them every week after finishing school at Reigate Priory..
Fantastic! :)
Thanks for the tour!
fascinating!
Thanks!!
I recall in the 1960's there was a rifle range in the caves.
Still is!
👍