17th century activity on the site of the outer bailey and barbican at Rayleigh Castle (EHER 16350)

Excavations in 1969 recorded 17th century ditches and timber framed buildings. There was also evidence for considerable alteration to the site since the 17th century.

1969-1970. Archaeological excavation. In the 17th century, new ditches were cut in the area of the late 11th century outer bailey (EHER 16349), and evidence of timber buildings was recorded. Since the 17th century there was evidence of considerable alterations to the site, affecting the shape of the outer ditch of the castle and infilling 17th century ditches. <1> <2> The Castle (TQ 8049 9095). The excavations in 1969 showed that both the inner and outer baileys were reoccupied in the 17th century. Traces of several timber-framed buildings with clay floors and a farm-yard were recovered, along with evidence for more recent occupation. In the northern part of the outer bailey, near the mill, Helliwell and MacLeod (1981) found over a metre of deliberate build-up which they attributed to the Second World War effort, presumably on the basis of information from local people. <3>