Late 11th century outer bailey and barbican, Rayleigh Castle (EHER 16349)

Excavations in 1969 recorded the outer defence of Rayleigh Castle. The excavations recorded evidence from the first five phases of the castle. The earliest recorded material was a thick earth bank with a defended entrance which showed evidence of several stages of reshaping. In the mid 12th century a timber bridge crossing was constructed. By the 13th and 14th centuries, minor timber framed buildings were erected over the exposed edge of the barbican, and the bridge was removed by the end of the 14th century.

1969-1970. Archaeological excavation. Excavations in 1969 within the area considered by the Royal Commission of Historic Monuments (RCHM) to be the possible outer bailey revealed medieval occupation in the north-west of the site, which was interpreted as the outer defence of the Domesday Castle (EHER 13586). A thick earth bank was breached by a defended entrance showing several stages of later reshaping during 'Period A', approximately 1070-1135. A raised causeway ran north from the entrance. During 'Period B', approximately 1135-1163, there was evidence of an extensive platform of clay laid from the outer edge of the ditch surrounding the inner bailey to the forward point of the outer defence, which supported a massive timber structure opposite a similar clay platform found on the corner of the inner bailey. This indicates the site of a bridge crossing. In 'Period C', approximately 1163-1270, an artificial pit and bank were constructed outside the earlier entrance. In Periods D and E, approximately 1270-1350, minor timber framed buildings were erected over the exposed edge of the barbican. Some of these may have been associated with the use of the inner bailey as a stud. The bridge had been removed by the end of the 14th century. The presence of the barbican precludes the existence of an outer bailey. <1> <2> Note: See EHER 13586 for details of the six periods (labelled A-F) of Rayleigh Castle.