Late 12th or early 13th century outer bailey ditch to Rayleigh Castle, Bellingham Lane (EHER 13376)

Excavations in 1983 and 1985 recorded a substantial ditch which produced late 13th to early 15th century finds.

June 1983 and August 1985. Archaeological excavation. Excavations in 1983 and 1985 in advance of redevelopment at the Regal Cinema site. The site is on the projected line of the outer bailey of the castle (see EHER 13586). A substantial ditch was sectioned, locating the position of the outer bailey as indicated in RCHM. Finds were mostly late 13th to early 15th century, suggesting the outer bailey was a fairly late addition to the castle earthwork, probably late 12th or early 13th century. Documentary evidence indicates that the castle was still being altered at that time. <1> See also <2>.