Late 17th century agricultural occupation on the site of Rayleigh Castle, Rayleigh (EHER 13587)

Excavation in 1959-1961 recorded the final period of occupation of the castle in the late 17th century, which is characterised as agricultural occupation. The excavation recorded evidence for farm buildings on the bailey, but these were probably pulled down a considerable time before 1809 when the site was first considered to be of antiquarian interest.

1959-1961. Archaeological excavation. The final period of occupation of the castle was in the late 17th century, labelled Period 'F' by Helliwell and MacLeod. Foundations and rough stone floors were recorded over much of the bailey, probably indicating the construction of farm buildings on the bailey. A deep trench filled with stone up the line of the inner fosse suggests a cart track up to the farm buildings. The existing causeway at the south end of the inner fosse may be partly due to the activities of 19th century excavators. The farm buildings were pulled down considerably before 1809, when the site was considered to be of antiquarian interest. Finds included miscellaneous fragments of iron of 17th century and later, 17th century pottery, bronze fittings, an iron horse shoe, and animal bone. <1>