Reigate is home to the first road tunnel built in the United Kingdom, and possibly Europe, dating back to 1823.
The tunnel is 51 meters long and connects the High Street in the south to London Road, cutting through the hill that was once the site of Reigate Castle.
While there are older tunnels, Reigate’s was the first designed and opened specifically for road traffic. It was funded by Earl Sommers, who owned the land above, and designed by William Constable.
When it first opened, there was a toll for vehicles based on how many horses were pulling the carriage, though pedestrians could pass through for free. Tolls were removed in 1858.
In 1954, the tunnel became one-way for northbound traffic. Then, in 1970, it was permanently closed to cars and fully pedestrianized.