This multi-cache has been placed with the kind permission of the National Trust who manage, maintain and own the property.
When this Cache was published (during British Summer Time) the Mount was open 7am-6pm except for Saturdays when it closed at 2pm. Opening times for the site vary during the year and can be found on the entrance gates or the National Trust website ( www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rayleigh-mount/opening-times/ ).
Access to the Mount is free of charge.
The Coordinates for this multi-cache are those for Stage 1. CONGRATULATIONS to Womble1971 FTF despite completely missing the third stage!
This Multi-Cache is buggy friendly (see waypoint for slope up to higher level) so ideal for the family. However if you want to take in the views (see Reference Waypoint) then there are a number of steps to climb after you have worked your way up to the higher parts of the site which may be a little more challenging.
Rayleigh Castle History:
In 1923 the castle grounds were given to the National Trust by Edward Francis and they manage and maintain the area today.
“The area is now an urban wildlife haven, and green lung in the heart of Rayleigh town centre, offering sweeping views across the Crouch Valley.” Extract from the National Trust website.
There are three entrances to the 5 acre site. Pay and Display parking can be found by the “Mill Hall” entrance (N051 35.258’, E000 36.348’) or you can park at the "Hillview Road” entrance (N051 35.327’, E000 36.182’) subject to parking restrictions during the week (11am-3pm). The third entrance is at the end of Castle Terrace (N051 35.262’, E000 36.217’) however parking here is very restricted so is best approached on foot.
A wooden motte and bailey castle built by Sweyne, Sheriff of Essex (son of Robert Fitzwimarc) c1070, and the only castle in Essex to be mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). It was built on a natural mound increased in height by earth removed from a ditch (“fosse”) which was dug on the eastern side, this is what is known as the “motte”. This ditch is still present today, but has filled with water and is currently a wildlife pond. It was almost certainly not filled with water during its use this is a later occurrence.
It was not until c1140 that the mound gained its “bailey” a palisaded flat area with the look out mound. It consisted of both an inner bailey of some ¾ acre and an outer bailey of 1 acre.
The castle was continually improved over the years and in use up until the late 13th century. However as a licence was granted in 1230 to build a new castle in Hadleigh, Rayleigh castle become less important.
Edward I gave Rayleigh to his Queen, Eleanor of Castile and she established a horse breeding centre at the castle and through to 1303 the castle fell into disuse and the land was used for pasture. After 300 years, in 1394, Richard II gave permission by decree to use the foundation stones from the castle and this marked the end of Rayleigh castle, it was demolished.
http://nationaltrust.org.uk/rayleigh-mount
Cache:
This multi cache takes you to three locations within Rayleigh Mount. At each location you will find a number which will form part of the Final physical Cache Coordinates. The final cache is a small plastic container in a camouflage bag. Within the cache you will find a logbook, pencil and some swaps. It is not too difficult, its purpose is to get you to explore the whole of the mount and learn more about Rayleigh Castle.
I suggest starting at the Mill Hall Entrance and stage 1 and then to get to stage 2 on the higher level either turn left to take the stairs or turn right to find the gradual slope, better for buggies (see waypoint). At this point it would be a good opportunity to take in the view at the viewing area accessed by some steps (see reference point). Then Stage 3 is back down to the lower path and then on to the cache at GZ.
Stage 1:
N 051 35.277
E 000 36.315
The number you find here is “A”
Stage 2:
N 051 35.300
E 000 36.316
The number you find here is “B”
Stage 3:
N 051 35.289
E 000 36.222
The number you find here is “C”
Final Cache coordinates:
N 051 35.(A+B)(A+B)B
E 000 36.BCA