Rayleigh
Through the Looking Glass
July 2011 Update -
A peaceful day was shattered early in the afternoon of 23rd July 1943 when an explosion was heard by many people in Rayleigh. First thought to be a a bomb from a German plane it was subsequently discovered that a terrible incident had taken place along the Hockley Road near Wellington Road.
A 47 year old invalid, Archibald Brown, from the family that owned Rayleigh Mill was in his bath (wheel) chair on his daily outing with one of his 3 nurses (Mrs Doris Mitchell) when an explosion destroyed the chair
and Mr Brown was killed instantly. Fortunately the nurse survived.
Mr Brown’s youngest son Eric was convicted of his murder and found guilty but insane and
was sentenced to be ‘detained at his Majesty's pleasure’.
Full, indeed all, the grizzly details can be found by visiting our exhibition at the Council Offices in August.
See our Special Events page.
Slide Shows 2018 |
Slide Shows 2019 |
Previous Updates |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
January 2018 - Shops |
February 2018 - RUDC |
March 2018 - High Street 4 |
April 2018 - London Hill 2 |
May 2018 - Bellingham Lane 2 |
June 2018 - DIY |
July 2018 - Clothing Shops |
August 2018 - Eastwood Road 3 |