THIS month marks the 100th anniversary of the commemoration of a grisly but important part of south Essex history.

The Martyrs’ Memorial, in Rayleigh High Street, was unveiled in front of thousands of townsfolk on September 23, 1908.

It commemorates the 16th century burning at the stake of four Essex Protestants, three of whom lived locally, because of their faith.

Two of the four men were said to be burned to death in the High Street on the very spot of the memorial, while the other pair were killed in Smithfield Market, London.

The building of the memorial was organised and paid for by three devout Protestants from the town, who raised the £85 needed for its construction.

Rayleigh’s Liberal MP at the time, Rowland Whitehead, unveiled the memorial in front of 2,000 people, about a quarter of the town’s population.

Mike Davies, local historian and chairman of the Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass project, said: “This is part of the town’s heritage.

“When outsiders talk about Rayleigh, they talk about the Dutch Cottage, the Castle on the Mount, the windmill and the memorial.”

Mr Davies said local schoolchildren had the afternoon off school to watch the ceremony, while adults who attended had to pay six pence.

A slide show was held later, at 7pm, on the history of the Protestant faith in the Rayleigh Mission Hall. Mr Davies said: “The fundraisers were originally going to get a plaque but they raised more than they expected so decided to build a memorial. It’s claimed they found part of a burned stake while digging the foundations, but there’s no evidence of that.”

Councillor Chris Black, along with Rayleigh Town Council, was keen for the centenary to be commemorated by Rochford District Council, but his plea fell on deaf ears.

He said: “I think the memorial is something of great significance and the event should not be forgotten.

“This is a reminder of how far religious and political fanaticism can take you. The idea of burning somebody for being a Protestant, rather than a Catholic, seems ridiculous nowadays.”

l A slide show on the history of the town is being held by Rayleigh Through the Looking Glass on Saturday, November 1, in the Holy Trinity Church Parish Centre.

Tickets cost £5, with all money raised going towards the restoration of Holy Trinity Church. There will be two sessions: from 2pm to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm.

For information, call 01268 785657.