If you find anything on our website not working as you would expect, email us at - itsupport@rayleightownmuseum.org
1st Floor, 91 High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EJ
ENTRY TO THE MUSEUM IS FREE via the Lift
1070 AD
Sweyne inherits land at Rayleigh from his father Robert Fitzwimarc. Building of the Castle begins.
1086 AD
Rayleigh Castle is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
1157 AD
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.
1215 AD
King John grants the Honour of Rayleigh to Hubert de Burgh.
c.14th century
The Castle is under Royal ownership and gradually falls into decline. The site is used for the grazing of animals.
1394 AD
King Richard II gives permission for his “Beloved tenants of Rayleigh” to use the stone from the Castle’s foundations for building.
1631 AD
In Weever’s “Ancient Funeral Monuments”, the site is referred to as a “Ruined Castle”.
1923 AD
The Castle grounds, now known as “Rayleigh Mount, are gifted to the National Trust by Edward Francis.
2023 AD
Castle timbers go on display at Rayleigh Town Museum.
How Rayleigh Castle may have looked on the area now known as Rayleigh Mount……
