Rayleigh pubs of the past remembered in exhibition

Although some of the pub are no longer there, many still remain to this day.

Rayleigh Town Museum is celebrating its loved and lost pubic houses with the exhibition "Rayleigh Pubs" which runs until October 21.

The display delves into the history and stories behind Rayleigh's public houses.

Pub - The Travellers Joy pub on the corner of London Road and Downhall Road (Image: Rayleigh Town Museum)Amongst the photographs on display there is The Travellers Joy pub on the corner of London Road and Downhall Road which was once the site of the prison. The area was known as Gallows Mead or Hangman's Field.

Looking back - Traveller's Joy was built in 1957, on the site of the former prison. Here, the photograph of the prison was taken around 1915. (Image: Rayleigh Town Museum)The pub was built in 1957, on the site of the former prison and the photograph of the prison was taken around 1915.

The Chequers Pub was located on the High Street, approximately where the Factory Shop is now, which was demolished in early 1960s.

Demolished - The Chequers pub (Image: Rayleigh Town Museum)There was an archway for horses and carts to go through, and a yard behind the pub with several small cottages.

The Elephant and Castle was on the corner of Castle Road and the High Street. The building still stands.

Nostalgia - The Elephant and Castle memories (Image: Rayleigh Town Museum)The Paul Pry is named after a character from a 19th century play. The character was very popular at the time.

Memorabilia - The Paul Pry (Image: Rayleigh Town Museum)

There are lots of information, photographs, artefacts and newspaper cuttings from all of Rayleigh’s pubs, including list of publicans. P lease visit the museum to find out more.

The museum is open Wednesday Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm with free entry to members of the public.

Visit www.rayleightownmuseum.co.uk.