Its cap, an impressive 60ft. from ground level, shares the skyline with the church, towering above the mound of Rayleigh Castle and the modern building development.

When it was wind-powered, the mill had three pairs of stones driven by two spring sails and two cloth covered `commons`.

Milling by wind seems to have stopped by the mills centenary, being replaced by more reliable sources of power: first oil and then, in 1974, a replacement cap and non-working sails were fitted ; more recently, a stage designed by the county millwright has been added. Though lacking machinery, the mill's appearance is now very similar to that of its working days.

Rayleigh Mill is open to the Public during spring and summer on Saturday mornings. There is a small entrance fee.