Rayleigh

                         Through the Looking Glass

Heritage Trail

February Update - Recent Discoveries

Previous Updates

In the 18th/19th centuries the local area had 2 Turnpike Roads. A number of Milestones from this era remain and recently one was discovered on the A1245 (between Rawreth Lane and the Carpenters Arms) which had lain undiscovered for many years.

Condition When Discovered

After Cleaning

In 1977 the Town held a celebration of the Queen's Silver Jubilee with street parties and a major event in Rayleigh High Street. Organised by a number of local voluntary groups the profit made  was spent on commissioning a painting which for many years hung in the Mill Hall. When removed from the Mill Hall it was put in storage for a number of years and has recently been rediscovered and is now on display in the foyer of the Civic Suite in Rayleigh  (next to Barringtons) and is well worth viewing

In ancient times boundaries between local parishes were identified by mounds running through woods and fields

as well as markings on prominent trees.

In more recent times metal posts were more common and one such example has recently been discovered

on the A127 showing the boundary between Rayleigh & Southend.