The gorgeous Essex walk where 'a small corner of English history meets the sea'
Walton-on-the-Naze is an incredibly popular destination for those looking to take in some sea views and spend a typical British day by the shore. If you are still looking to enjoy some sea air, but in a more secluded place with plenty of history to learn about, this little-known Essex walk is perfect.
Heading inland from Walton, you will find the tiny parish of Beaumont-cum-Moze. The place-name 'Beaumont' was originally Fulanpettæ in 995, and Fulepet in the Domesday Book of 1086, meaning 'foul pit', according to the Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names.
However, by the end of the 1100s it had become Beaumont, meaning 'beautiful hill' - which is much more appropriate for the stunning sites you can see there. The parish is mostly known for Beaumont Quay, which has been dubbed a "small corner of English history that meets the sea".
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In 1832, a canal was dug to connect this place to Hamford Water and the North Sea, but its use ended in the 1930s. Strangely, archaeological studies suggest the existence of a previous Roman canal, possibly linked to salt extraction, revealed by the discovery of pottery fragments and ancient salt pans in the area that were found by Essex County Council.
It is now a stunning place for a stroll, with the walk being named the Beaumont Cut, and is about a kilometre long. It is perfect for a short stroll where you can learn lots about its history while taking in some fresh air.
Today, despite the canal no longer being in use, its route remains visible and leads to the remains of Beaumont Quay, where boats loaded with agricultural products once sailed to London. This place has been declared an ancient monument, preserving its barn and lime kiln, and is now managed by the parks department of the Essex County Council.
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