Rayleigh Clock
  • Rayleigh Clock
  • Rayleigh high street
  • Rayleigh Mount
  • High Trinity Church, Rayleigh
  • Rayleigh Windmill

About

Rayleigh is an historic market town and is the main centre of population in the Rochford District.  The town has retained much of its traditional character and is a busy shopping centre, well served by bus and train.  A market is held on Wednesday mornings and dates back to 1181, when it was registered in the Exchequer Records of Henry II.

Rayleigh is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The manor of Rayleigh belonged to Sweyne of Essex, the son of Robert FitzWimarc who built a Norman Motte and Bailey castle in Rayleigh.  The location is at Rayleigh Mount, which is today owned and maintained by the National Trust.  From the top, there are sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.

The word "Rayleigh" is said to derive from two Anglo-Saxon words, "Roe", a deer, and "leigh" a clearing.

The Rayleigh Windmill is over 200 years old and is a museum and popular venue for weddings. The Windmill, an 18th C. octagonal Dutch Cottage and Holy Trinity Church are the three most famous landmarks.

Did you know?

The Town Council's Grant of Arms features a Tudor rose referring to the badge of King Henry VIII, who had a hunting park and lodge in the town.

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Map & Directions

Rayleigh

Type:Town

Town Centre, Rayleigh, Essex

What's Nearby

  1. Housed in a 14th century timber framed building in the centre of the High Street is a…

    0.05 miles away
  2. The tiny octagonal cottage based on the design of the 17th century Dutch settlers must be…

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  3. The Rayleigh Windmill is a Grade II listed building more than 200 years old and an…

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  4. A 280 acre ancient woodland, managed for the benefit of wildlife and the public.…

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