1070

1086

1157

1215

c.14th

1394

1631

1923

century

2023

Sweyne inherits land at Rayleigh from his father Robert Fitzwimarc. Building of the Castle begins.

Rayleigh Castle is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Sweyne’s grandson, Henry of Essex, is accused of cowardice at the Battle of Coleshill and is defeated in a trial by combat.  The Castle is forfeited to the Crown.

King  John grants the Honour of Rayleigh to Hubert de Burgh.

The Castle is under Royal ownership and gradually falls into decline.  The site is used for the grazing of animals.

King Richard II gives permission for his “Beloved tenants of Rayleigh” to use the stone from the Castle’s foundations for building.

In Weever’s “Ancient Funeral Monuments”, the site is referred to as a “Ruined Castle”.

The Castle grounds, now known as “Rayleigh Mount, are gifted to the National Trust by Edward Francis.

Castle timbers go on display at Rayleigh Town Museum.