Rochford District Heritage Group Visit...

GROUP VISITHeritage Guide

ContentsIntroduction to Heritage facilities open to visitors ................................ 3

Rayleigh Windmill........................................................................... 3

The Old House ............................................................................... 3

Dutch Cottage ................................................................................ 4

Rayleigh Mount .............................................................................. 4

About Rayleigh Windmill ..................................................................... 5

About the Old House........................................................................... 6

About the Dutch Cottage..................................................................... 7

About Rayleigh Mount ......................................................................... 8

Terms of Booking Rayleigh Heritage Visits ......................................... 9

Booking Form.................................................................................... 10

Rochford District Heritage Post Visit Questionnaire .......................... 11

Timetable for Windmill and Rayleigh Mount Group Visits ................. 12

Notes for Teachers and Adult Helpers attending Windmill Visits....... 13

Code of Conduct for School groups .................................................. 14

Risk Assessment ............................................................................... 15

2 www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure

If you would like this information in large print, Braille oranother language please contact 01702 318111

IntroductionThis guide has been designed for groups considering visiting one of the many heritagesites in the Rochford District. It contains information on four well known historical sites; theRayleigh Windmill, the Old House in Rochford, the Dutch Cottage in Rayleigh and theRayleigh Mount. Information about each site includes; opening hours, access, parking andspecific information for group visits.

Should your group wish to book one or more visits please read the enclosed informationcarefully and complete the booking form and the terms of booking form. These should bereturned to the address on the form, you will then be contacted to confirm the booking.We have also included a post visit questionnaire, we would be delighted to hear yourfeedback following your visit.

Thank you for your interest in Rochford District Heritage visits.

www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure 3

Rayleigh WindmillA £340,000 revamp of the historic Grade IIlisted Rayleigh Windmill, including astructural renovation of the 19th centurybrick built building, has provided fourstoreys of modern display facilities whichhas turned The Windmill into a major touristand educational attraction in the county.

There are cameras on each floor allowingvisitors to view the upper floors and theextensive views via a TV screen on theground floor. On the first floor there is anaccredited museum and there is anexhibition space on the second floor used tohost a variety of exhibitions. On the thirdfloor the National Trust Local Committeedisplay a model of The Rayleigh Mount andformer Castle together with otherinformation on Rayleigh Mount.

The Windmill has received nationalrecognition from Visit England as a qualityvisitor attraction.

The Old HouseRochford is surrounded by history andhistoric buildings. In South Street, Rochford,a most impressive thirteenth century timber-framed house is part of Rochford DistrictCouncil offices. It is of much interest in thetown, having undergone a major programmeof restoration.

The 'Old House' as it is locally known is theoldest surviving building in the area and hasbeen designated a Grade II listed building.Its age is comparable only to that ofCanewdon Church and Prittlewell Priory.Rochford District Council bought The OldHouse in June 1982.

Introduction to Heritage facilities open forvisitors


Dutch CottageThe Dutch Cottage is an octagonal buildingon Crown Hill and is thought to date fromthe 18th century.

It takes its name from the association of thistype of house with the 17th century Dutchimmigrants who constructed many of thesea walls of the south Essex coast.

The history of the cottage is one that issurrounded in controversy. To many peoplethe plate above the door inscribed '1621' issolid evidence that it was erected in thatyear. However historians who have studiedthe building are of the opinion that it was notbuilt until the eighteenth century. Thus, thestory of the cottage is one of mystery, as noone knows when, why or for whom thecottage was built.

Rayleigh MountThe Castle that once stood on this site nolonger exists; however the Mount itselfremains and is set within a ditch surroundedby a wide rampart, which stretches to form abailey on one side. The Mount is a fineexample of a Norman motte and baileydesign.

Rayleigh Castle existed at the time of theDomesday Book in 1086. It was probablyerected by Sweyn of Essex, son of RobertFitz Wymarc, shortly after the NormanConquest. The Castle was in use until the13th century.

Today the Mount is owned by the NationalTrust. It is surrounded by trees and busheswith open grassy areas, making it a valuablesite for wildlife in addition to its historicalimportance.

Location :Rayleigh Windmill and MuseumBellingham LaneRayleighEssex SS6 7ED

Public opening hours from April toSeptember (subject to closures forprivate events)Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pmSaturday 1:00pm-4:00pmSunday 1:00pm-4:00pm

Free Entry – Donations WelcomeGroup visits:Groups visits will be arranged outside ofthese times as visitor numbers at any onetime are limited due to the nature of thebuilding. Please see the booking form formore information.

Access:The Windmill is located off Bellingham Lanein Rayleigh. Rayleigh train station is locatedless than half a mile from The Windmill.Walking from the train station The Windmillcan be accessed via London Hill, this roadis located on a hill as the name suggests.

Parking:The nearest pay and display car park islocated in Bellingham Lane adjacent to TheWindmill. Disabled parking bays areavailable in this car park.

Coach Parking:There is no allocated coach parking at TheWindmill, coaches should drop off in theBellingham Lane car park but would thenneed to find a suitable alternative to park.

For further information please contactthe Leisure Team

Phone: 01702 318191

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rochford.gov.uk/windmill

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Third FloorNational Trust Local Committee

Second FloorExhibition Space

First FloorMuseum

Ground FloorExhibition Space

1Inside The Windmill

About Rayleigh Windmill

Location :The Old HouseRochford District CouncilSouth Street, RochfordEssex SS4 1BW

Opening Time:Wednesday ONLY 12:00 - 2:00pmAccess is by pre booked appointment only.Please see the booking form to make abooking.

Free Entry – Donations WelcomeGroup visits:Due to the size and nature of the buildingnumbers are limited to approximately 8visitors at a time in the Old House.

Access:The Old House located in South Street,approximately 7 miles from The Windmill,is still used as offices by Rochford DistrictCouncil, therefore access to rooms andopening times are limited.

Rochford train station is less than half a milefrom The Old House located at the bottom ofWest Street.

Ramped access to the rear of the OldHouse is via the Council gardens off SouthStreet. The Old House itself is accessed viasteps from the garden that are clearlymarked but are steep.

Coach Parking:There is no allocated coach parking at theOld House, coaches should drop off in theBack Lane car park but would then need tofind a suitable alternative to park.

For further information please contactthe Leisure TeamPhone: 01702 318191


Website: www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure

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About the Old House

Location :

The Dutch Cottage33 Crown HillRayleighEssex SS6 7HA

Opening Time:Wednesday afternoons ONLY Access is byappointment only. Please see the bookingform to make a booking.

Free Entry – Donations WelcomeGroup visits:Due to the size and nature of the buildingnumbers are limited to approximately 8visitors at a time in the Dutch Cottage.

Access:The building is a private dwelling thereforeaccess and opening times are limited.

The Dutch Cottage is on a main road with asteep gradient.

Rayleigh train station is less than half a milefrom the Dutch Cottage.

The first floor cannot be accessed bywheelchair users; however the ground floorof the building is accessible by ramp.

Parking:This venue does not have its own car park,but there is a pay and display car parklocated in Bellingham Lane.

Coach Parking:There is no allocated coach parking at theDutch Cottage, coaches should drop off inthe Bellingham Lane car park but would thenneed to find a suitable alternative to park.




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About the Dutch Cottage

Location :Rayleigh MountRayleighEssex SS6 7HQ

Opening times for The Mount:7:00am – 6:00pm (summer)7:00am – 5:00pm (winter)

Please note the above times refer to everyday of the week bar Saturday when theMount closes at 2pm.

Free Entry – Donations WelcomeGroup visits:A small charge will be made per person forguided group walks. The guided walk cancater for all age groups and will take about30 minutes. If your group visits without aNational Trust guide, please remember notto pick the flowers or damage thevegetation.

Access:The Mount walkway is over sloping pathswith steps in places, paths may be muddy inwet weather. The main entrance (with carpark) is at Bellingham Lane, however if youcome via train there is an entrance in CastleDrive. Rayleigh train station is located lessthan half a mile away.

There are no places to shelter on RayleighMount, so if the weather is bad it is best tovisit when the Windmill is open.

Coach Parking:There is no allocated coach parking at theRayleigh Mount, coaches should drop off inthe Bellingham Lane car park but wouldthen need to find a suitable alternative topark.

Parking:The nearest pay and display car park islocated in Bellingham Lane adjacent to TheRayleigh Mount. Disabled parking bays areavailable in this car park.




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About Rayleigh Mount


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We would like to bring children/adults (please note numbers are limited)

We will have (number) of teachers/adult helpers (if applicable)

Date Time School year

Please tick visit required:

Option A – Rayleigh Windmill only visit Shop required Yes No

Using quiz and volunteer-led session

Using education pack lesson plans

Option B – Rayleigh Windmill and Rayleigh Mount visit Shop required Yes No

Using quiz and volunteer-led session

Using education pack lesson plans

Option C – Old House visit

Option D – Dutch Cottage visit

Option E – Dutch Cottage, Rayleigh Windmill and Rayleigh Mount whole day visit

Contact names:

Phone no:

School/Group:

Address:

Email:

Please tell us how you heard about the attraction:

Please return completed form to: Leisure Team, Rochford District Council, Council Offices,South Street Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW.

* Due to the nature of the attractions all visits must be booked and confirmed priorto visit taking place.

(if applicable)

Booking Form

Please complete both the booking form and the terms of booking form and return to theaddress at the bottom of this page. You will then be contacted to confirm the booking *.


By accepting confirmation of this booking -

We agree to:•• Fulfil the objectives of your visit by

organising an appropriate programme ofevents (this is dependent uponschools/groups arriving by the specifiedtime) and completing the booking formfully.

•• Provide you with all the necessaryinstructions/advice during the course ofyour visit

•• Carry out regular Health and SafetyInspections of our premises and haveemergency procedures in place

•• Have public liability insurance•• Ensure appropriate procedures are in

place for safeguarding children andvulnerable adults

•• Work with groups to ensure that anyspecial needs are met.

You agree to:• Have clear objectives and purpose for the

visit• Carry out, wherever possible, a

preliminary visit to assess any potentialrisks to the group and take the necessaryprecautions

• Have responsible adults supervisingchildren and young people at all timesduring the visit, at the ratio specified in thebooking details

• Come with any necessary equipmentspecified for the visit

• Follow any instructions from volunteer andsite staff during the course of the visit.

Signed on behalf of the school/group

Name: ............................................................................

Position in school/group: ...............................................

Signature: ...................................................................... Date: ........................................

Terms of Booking Heritage Visits


Please spare a few minutes to complete this questionnaire to assist us in continuing toimprove our service in the future.

Name of school/group: Town:

Date and time of visit:

Please tick where appropriate:

ExcellentOverall quality ofattraction(s)

Very Good Good Average Poor

ExcellentStaff/volunteers Very Good Good Average Poor

ExcellentPrinted resources Very Good Good Average Poor

Yes all aspects

Was the visit appropriate for your requirements?

Yes some aspects No

Any other comments or suggestions for further improvement

Thank you for your time.Please return completed form to: Leisure Team, Rochford District Council, Council Offices, South Street Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW

Rochford Heritage Post Visit Questionnaire


Please have the group organised into 3groups before arrival at the Windmill, wherevolunteers will be on hand to take you toyour respective activity.

Activity One – Windmill LowerA talk about the history of the Windmillfollowed by a visit to the museum on the 1stfloor including a quiz. Colouring activitieswill also be available for young people onthis floor if the second floor is hosting anexhibition during your visit. Small purchasescan be made from the Museum.

Activity One – Windmill UpperA chance to view either the Sails in the WindExhibition or one of the touring exhibitionson the second floor, depending on date ofbooking. Colouring activities may also beavailable for young people on this floorsubject to exhibition on display.

The top floor hosts the model of RayleighMount and artefacts found on the Mount.There is also the opportunity for schoolgroups to have a go at the quiz. Smallpurchases can be made on this floor.

Activity Three – The Mount A guided walk around the Mount.

Timetable for Windmill and Rayleigh Mount Group Visits


The Windmill activities will be led byvolunteers but we require the adult helpersto remain with their group and with theirchildren.

During any object handling sessions thechildren should be encouraged to listencarefully and take care of individual itemswhen handling them. Encourage them toask questions, such as:

1. What is it made from?

2. How could it have been used?

3. Is it similar to anything we use today?

Adult helpers may wish to write down thechildren’s suggestions and they should beencouraged to discuss their ideas amongsttheir group.

If you are with us during lunch time it isimportant that the children are supervised atall times, especially if they are playingoutside the Windmill grounds.

Please bear in mind that the Museum wasplanned as a resource for all ages.

The displays in the Exhibition Galleries willchange throughout the year.

The Museum is a public building and we askthat you remind the children to be polite andconsiderate to other visitors at all times.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the Windmilland come back soon!

Notes for Teachers and Adult Helpers Attending Windmill Visits


As Museum Service staff we will:•• Ensure that our staff and volunteers are

appropriately trained.

•• Treat all of our visitors with respect

•• Ensure the safety and welfare of ourvisitors at all times if it is within our powerto do so

•• Liaise with teachers, parents and carerswhenever necessary to ensure a highquality experience during your visit

•• Not accept ANY form of disruptivebehaviour either inside or outside ourbuildings

•• Make every effort to make your visit a funand enjoyable learning experience!

As young visitors you will:•• Respect our volunteers and staff at all

times

•• Read and respond, as appropriate, to thesignage around our premises

•• Listen carefully to any instructions fromWindmill staff, volunteers, teachers orcarers

•• Enjoy your visit and hopefully learnsomething new!

Code of Conduct for School groups


Individuals from visiting schools/groupsremain the responsibility of theschool/group at all times whilst onCouncil premises. Please read carefully the terms ofbooking and the code of conductprovided. Rochford District Council has a ChildProtection Policy which is consistent withthe Essex Safeguarding Children Board:‘Southend, Essex, Thurrock Child ProtectionProcedures’ (2006) and the Governmentpublications ‘Working together to SafeguardChildren’ (2006) and ‘what to do if you areworried a child is being abused’ (2006).

All Council volunteers dealing with childrenare CRB checked. Visiting schools/groupsare strongly recommended to carry out aRisk Assessment prior to their visit but if thisis not practical a full copy of the Council’scan be requested.

The National Trust Local Committee whichmanages the Rayleigh Mount and Castleguided walks have their own policies andprocedures regarding safeguarding and riskassessment. Please enquire at the time ofbooking if more information is required.

Risk Assessment

Further information can be obtained by contacting The Leisure Team: Rochford District Council, Council Offices, South Street Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW

Phone: 01702 318191Email: [email protected]: www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure

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Rochford

Rayleigh

The WindmillThe Old House

The Dutch CottageThe Mount

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Rochford RailwayStation

Rayleigh RailwayStation 1

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Issue 1: April 2011

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