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Wakering Stairs: The Broomway

Commonly known by locals as 'The Broomway' this ancient and treacherous pathway was once the only link between the mainland and Foulness. During the 1953 floods the Broomway was a lifeline between Wakering and Foulness. An old photograph in Shoeburyness post office on George street shows a postman crossing the Broomway in a horse and cart. The 'Broomway' earned its name by the stick-like broom handles which were used to mark out the pathway. The path leads almost a mile out to sea and can only be accessed at low tide. To this day 'The Broomway' remains a public right of way, but is an extremely perilous route and anyone think of taking it should make proper arrangements with the coastguard. Many have lost their lives here.