Peter Stewart

So, in 1832, the Great Reform Act saw that Reigate was one of the smallest boroughs in the country, and along with many other constituencies, reduced the number of seats to one, because it wasn't really fair, was it, that a small constituency returned two MPs. Now, one of the last MPs to be returned before Reigate was disenfranchised was a certain William Monson, the Viscount Oxenbridge.

So, in 1832, the Great Reform Act saw that Reigate was one of the smallest boroughs in the country, and along with many other constituencies, reduced the number of seats to one, because it wasn't really fair, was it, that a small constituency returned two MPs. Now, one of the last MPs to be returned before Reigate was disenfranchised was a certain William Monson, the Viscount Oxenbridge.

He was the second cousin of Frederick John Monson, 5th Baron Monson, who in 1830 bought... Gatton Park, so he could send two members to Parliament. Unfortunately, as part of the 1832 Great Reform Act, Gatton was downsized to no MPs at all. Of course, Monson Road in Redhill is just off the A23 between Memorial Park and East Surrey College.

He was the second cousin of Frederick John Monson, 5th Baron Monson, who in 1830 bought... Gatton Park, so he could send two members to Parliament. Unfortunately, as part of the 1832 Great Reform Act, Gatton was downsized to no MPs at all. Of course, Monson Road in Redhill is just off the A23 between Memorial Park and East Surrey College.

Now, during that two MPs era, two family names are prominent – the Cox family and the York family. And the Cox were inextricably intertwined with the Summers. And that was the family who owned Reigate Priory. Philip York became the first Earl of Hardwick. And, of course, you'll know of various local references to the York family.

Now, during that two MPs era, two family names are prominent – the Cox family and the York family. And the Cox were inextricably intertwined with the Summers. And that was the family who owned Reigate Priory. Philip York became the first Earl of Hardwick. And, of course, you'll know of various local references to the York family.

York Road, for example, the Summers family, Summers Road, and Hardwick family. Hardwick Road joins York Road near Reigate Station. I hope you're following this. The York family returned an MP, sometimes two, to Westminster in 1831 and 1818 and 1806, 1790, 1768, 1747 and 1741. Well, the Stars and Stripes, the national anthem of the United States of America.

York Road, for example, the Summers family, Summers Road, and Hardwick family. Hardwick Road joins York Road near Reigate Station. I hope you're following this. The York family returned an MP, sometimes two, to Westminster in 1831 and 1818 and 1806, 1790, 1768, 1747 and 1741. Well, the Stars and Stripes, the national anthem of the United States of America.

And in 1754, a new town was identified to become the capital of the state of Georgia in the USA. Except it wasn't actually a U at that stage. It was just various states of America. And that capital was going to be called Hardwick. And Hardwick still exists. And there's a plaque...

And in 1754, a new town was identified to become the capital of the state of Georgia in the USA. Except it wasn't actually a U at that stage. It was just various states of America. And that capital was going to be called Hardwick. And Hardwick still exists. And there's a plaque...

You can see how those names are getting more and more intertwined. Reynolds said, quote, Hardwick has a charming situation, the winding of the river making it a peninsula, and it's the only fit place for the capital. It never really got to become the capital of Georgia, did it? It still exists, but it's now classified as one of Georgia's forgotten towns. And the capital of Georgia is... Atlanta.

You can see how those names are getting more and more intertwined. Reynolds said, quote, Hardwick has a charming situation, the winding of the river making it a peninsula, and it's the only fit place for the capital. It never really got to become the capital of Georgia, did it? It still exists, but it's now classified as one of Georgia's forgotten towns. And the capital of Georgia is... Atlanta.

Well done. OK, let's go back a little bit further. And the MP for Reigate between 1640 and 1653 was William Lord... monson again yeah them now william monson married margaret howard the widow of charles who was known as howard of effingham who owned reigate priory congratulations to you if you've got effingham reigate priory monson and howard on your bingo card now he was initially margaret's page

Well done. OK, let's go back a little bit further. And the MP for Reigate between 1640 and 1653 was William Lord... monson again yeah them now william monson married margaret howard the widow of charles who was known as howard of effingham who owned reigate priory congratulations to you if you've got effingham reigate priory monson and howard on your bingo card now he was initially margaret's page

which is a little bit odd that she married her page, but OK, it's all quite handy because he's dad, also William. That must have been confusing. William Monson and his son, William Monson, and the Monson family lived just down the road in Kinnersley. Kinnersley? Of course, Kinnersley Manor, which is just down past Sidlow, on the way to Tesco's.

which is a little bit odd that she married her page, but OK, it's all quite handy because he's dad, also William. That must have been confusing. William Monson and his son, William Monson, and the Monson family lived just down the road in Kinnersley. Kinnersley? Of course, Kinnersley Manor, which is just down past Sidlow, on the way to Tesco's.

Now, unfortunately, R. William wasn't very good with money and not very good at backing the right horse. Now, I'm not talking about horse racing. I'm talking about who he was going to support in politics and royalty at that time. Now, the excellent History of Parliament Online website tells us, quote, Re-elected for Reigate, William Monson opposed the King in the Civil War after some hesitation.

Now, unfortunately, R. William wasn't very good with money and not very good at backing the right horse. Now, I'm not talking about horse racing. I'm talking about who he was going to support in politics and royalty at that time. Now, the excellent History of Parliament Online website tells us, quote, Re-elected for Reigate, William Monson opposed the King in the Civil War after some hesitation.

He was appointed to the court which tried the King and initially attended its proceedings, but he didn't sign the death warrant. embroiled in financial troubles during the 1640s, he was reputedly imprisoned for debt. His incarceration may have come as something of a relief if the allegations that his third wife and her maidservants had once tied him to the bedpost and whipped him.

He was appointed to the court which tried the King and initially attended its proceedings, but he didn't sign the death warrant. embroiled in financial troubles during the 1640s, he was reputedly imprisoned for debt. His incarceration may have come as something of a relief if the allegations that his third wife and her maidservants had once tied him to the bedpost and whipped him.