ONE of Rayleigh’s treasures, an octagonal house, full of history and memories, is still visited today by people from all over the country.

When visiting the town, you must remember to stop off and see the mysterious Dutch Cottage, on Crown Hill, which has supposedly been there since 1621.

The octagonal building takes its name from its association with the 17th century Dutch immigrants who constructed many of the sea walls of the south Essex coast.

The white building, with a thatched roof and secluded rear garden, contains a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms

Its history is controversial - while some people point to the "1621" inscription above the door as solid evidence of its construction date, surveyors, architects and historians who have studied the building believe it is more likely to have been built in about 1740.

The cottage is now maintained by a charity trust, which pays for its upkeep.

Donations can be made by cheque to 'Rochford District Council Dutch Cottage Trust' and presented to eeception at Rayleigh Civic Suite either by post or by hand.

Tours of the cottage are available by appointment with its owner on Wednesday afternoons.

For more information, visit rochford.gov.uk