[2] The mill was taken over for use as a museum by Rayleigh and District Antiquarian and Natural History Society, formally opening on 16 May 1970.

By the autumn of 1974 a new cap and sails had been made and fitted by millwrights John Lawn and Philip Barrett-Lennard.

[2] In 2005, restoration work costing £340,000 was funded by the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

[4] Rayleigh Windmill is a six-storey tower mill with a Kentish cap winded by a six-bladed fantail.

[2] References for above:-[2] Rayleigh Windmill is open from April each year on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.