Martyrs Memorial Obelisk On Pavement In Front Of Number 85

The Martyrs Memorial Obelisk, dated 1908, is located on the pavement in front of number 85 on Rayleigh High Street. This marble obelisk stands on a plastered double base with chamfered upper edges. The lower block features an ornate cast iron drinking fountain on its west face, which includes a semi-circular bowl, a pendant, a moulded head, and a lotus head fosset. The obelisk itself has a moulded marble base inscribed with "Thy word is truth" on the west face. The polished obelisk has rough centre panels, while the side panels contain inscriptions: "Erected 1908 by the Protestants of Rayleigh and District. The Noble army of Martyrs praise Thee," and details about Thomas Causton and John Ardley, who suffered for their faith in 1555, along with a commemoration of Robert Drakes and William Tyms, who died in a fire at Smithfield in 1556. The obelisk is situated between a pump and a horse trough, contributing to an important historical group in the former market place.