Fate Led Me Here

A Memory of Reigate.

Bell Street, Reigate. The address of my great grandfather, and until 2006 I had never been there. But on a nostalgic trip from Sweden, seeking my roots so to speak, I visited Reigate to see if any signs were to be found. Needing to buy a flower for a birthday, I went into a florist's on the west side of Bell Street, a couple of buildings down from the High Street. Then I went into the Old Book Shop further down on the east side, where I was able to buy a book of Old Reigate. In the book was a photo of my great grandfather's butcher's shop. Yes - on the site of the florist's ! ! It sent shivers down my spine to know that I had unknowingly walked on the site of Chandler's Butcher's Shop, now long gone. My great grandfather, Joseph Chandler, had also had a farm on the outskirts of Reigate, Albury Farm (or Manor) where I believe there is now a school.
The world is indeed small.