More information : (TQ 805909) Rayleigh Castle (NR) (1)
Rayleigh Castle was built shortly after the conquest on what is suggested to be an earlier fortification (4). It became ruinous in the C13th and remains now consist of a 50ft high motte, the north-east slope of which has been revetted with masonry, an inner bailey containing building foundations and surrounded by the footings of a curtain wall, and traces of an outer bailey partly destroyed by modern development. All the foundations and masonry were uncovered during excavations in 1909-10 and 1959-61. Many small objects of Medieval period were found as well as Roman brick fragments and an Anglo-Saxon brooch. Scheduled 39. (2-7)
1:2500 survey revised. Motte and bailey in good condition and preserved as an open space. (8)
TQ 80659082. Following the location of a large ditch orientated south west/north east, a 2m wide trench was excavated in Bellingham Lane to record its profile and date. Although its size (c.13m wide, 5m deep) and its position in regard to the castle suggested a town defence or outer bailey, very little early Medieval pottery was found whilst large quantities of C15th or C16th pottery were present in its fill. (9)
Additional references. (10-12)
The baronial castle came into the King's hands in 1163 upon the outlawry of Henry of Essex, and although a little money was spent on its upkeep until 1186, no further expenditure occurred. (13)
The outer bailey ditch was located during a small excavation in 1996. Excavations within the bailey in 1997 found 13th century pottery, but no features. (14) |