This building was an extension of 43 High Street, Reigate, put up in the 1620s when the property was in the tenancy of the Wyld family. The extension was taken down in the 1980s and was subsequently re-erected at the Weald & Downland Living Museum.<br /> <br /> From the late 1500s to the late 1600s, England went through a period often referred to now as the ‘Great Rebuilding’. During this time, people invested more than ever in their homes. Many built completely new houses, while others chose to substantially alter existing buildings. Some of the most popular home improvements included extensions like this, as well as the addition of fireplaces, staircases and glass windows. People also spent more money on goods with which to furnish their homes. These home renovations not only improved people’s quality of life but were key assets for middling people like the Wyld family. The alteration of their existing home in Reigate was a major investment and would have displayed the success and status of the family to the local community.<br /> <br /> Not only did the extension provide additional living space, but its high-quality decoration (some of which remains today) also suggests that it was intended for conspicuous display: to receive and entertain guests.
Reigate house extension (Domestic Building), Early 1600s

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Reigate house extension

Reigate house extension (Domestic Building), Early 1600s

This building was an extension of 43 High Street, Reigate, put up in the 1620s when the property was in the tenancy of the Wyld family. The extension was taken down in the 1980s and was subsequently re-erected at the Weald & Downland Living Museum.

From the late 1500s to the late 1600s, England went through a period often referred to now as the ‘Great Rebuilding’. During this time, people invested more than ever in their homes. Many built completely new houses, while others chose to substantially alter existing buildings. Some of the most popular home improvements included extensions like this, as well as the addition of fireplaces, staircases and glass windows. People also spent more money on goods with which to furnish their homes. These home renovations not only improved people’s quality of life but were key assets for middling people like the Wyld family. The alteration of their existing home in Reigate was a major investment and would have displayed the success and status of the family to the local community.

Not only did the extension provide additional living space, but its high-quality decoration (some of which remains today) also suggests that it was intended for conspicuous display: to receive and entertain guests.

Object Type Domestic Building
Year Early 1600s
Material Brick, timber frame, stone fireplaces
Owned By Weald and Downland Living Museum
Keywords reigate; domestic;
Image Credit © Weald and Downland Living Museum.

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