The Prince Regent travelled over the new road (from Gatton Lodge, near Reigate), by way of Povey Cross, Crawley, and Hickstead, to Brighton, on Thursday last, and thus avoided Reigate.

But there is a plan in contemplation to shorten the distance to 48 miles and a half from Westminster Bridge to Brighton, by avoiding Croydon, Reigate, and Crawley, and entering into Cuckfield, whence the traveller will proceed over Clayton Hill, now nearly levelled.

The Times 13 December 1818, from Lewes Journal.

Contributed by Malcolm Davison.