Rayleigh

Rayleigh is a large Market town positioned on a hill in the county of Essex, and is home to over thirty thousand people. The town has an interesting history and dates back to Saxon times, the Romans came here, and the Normans built a Motte and Bailey castle here, Rayleigh Mount, although little survives today it is an ideal spot for a stroll or even a pic nic. Adjacent to the castle stands an impressive Windmill which was built in the 1780's although much restoration took place later, today visitors can share the interesting tale it has to tell through its fascinating exhibits proudly on display. The town was once renowned for its wooded forests that royalty claimed as Hunting grounds which saw many monarchs visiting here. Today's visitors, royal or not, can enjoy a wide choice of pubs and restaurants to try, an enjoyable Indoor Market in Rayleigh Lanes, or there is always the small outdoor market that's held weekly. A walk up the High Street will please the most hardened of shoppers and few can fail to notice the ancient church which rests on an earlier site, whose 15th Century Tower was built with stones from the Castle which graces the skyline.