Beaumont Cut

Beaumont Cut was a 1-kilometre-long canal linking Beaumont Quay, in the parish of Beaumont-cum-Moze, Tendring, Essex, England, with Hamford Water and the North Sea [1]. It was opened in 1832 but fell into disuse and was closed at some time in the 1930s [1]. Archaeological studies suggest that the first canal on the site was built by the Romans, possibly in connection with salt extraction in the area; Roman-era pottery sherds have been found and sites of salterns identified [1]. The nineteenth-century canal was constructed to serve the extensive coastal traffic between the agricultural hinterland of Essex and London [1]. The proprietors of the venture were the governors of Guy’s Hospital [1]. The line of the canal remains watered and is easily traceable [1]. The quay at the western end of the canal was made a scheduled ancient monument and is now under the care of the parks department of Essex County Council [1].