Rayleigh was the centre for the administration of justice for hundreds of years until the 15th century and before Chelmsford gained more importance. As lord of the manor, Sweyne and his father Fitzwimarc aided the conqueror's invasion in 1066, he . . . — — Map (db m304408) HM
The railway arrived in Rayleigh on 1st October 1889. Before then this site was part of castle hill farm which extended up to the High Street and included Rayleigh Mount and the site of Rayleigh Castle and the Tower Windmill. The major route into . . . — — Map (db m304413) HM
The railway first came to Rayleigh on 1st October 1889, when The Great Eastern Railway (GER) Wickford to Southend section of line opened as single track railway with passing loops, as part of the GER "New Essex Lines" that comprised the route from . . . — — Map (db m305242) HM
This nature haven was the site of an early medieval wooden Motte and Bailey castle, built by Sweyn, Sheriff of Essex. There's a step-free path to the inner Bailey, and then steps up to the Motte, where the defensive position of this historic site . . . — — Map (db m304407) HM
Rayleigh Castle
This was the only Essex castle mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Like most of the early Norman castles, it was built from wood, on an earth mound or motte. Standing between the River Crouch and the River Thames, it . . . — — Map (db m304410) HM
Rayleigh Castle stood on the hill top from about 1070 to the mid 1300s.
The original small Motte and Bailey castle was built by the wealthy landowner Sweyn of Essex. It was greatly enlarged in about 1140 by his grandson, Henry of Essex, the . . . — — Map (db m304411) HM
Erected in 1809 on the outer bailey of Castle Mount. The last of 5 mills serving the town and at 67 feet the highest in Essex. Milling for 150 years, first by wind, then diesel engine and electricity.
Sails removed in 1906 as Arthur Crabb, . . . — — Map (db m304409) HM
