Posted by Jock on July 12, 2004 at 10:03:39 from 81.154.81.145 user Jock.
Sorry for picking up this thread so late. When visiting Beaumont Quay in the mid 60s we were told by someone that we were on private land, but when we explained that we were following in the footsteps of Ransome no objections were raised. You could try this today! Alternatively, don't go past the fierce notices by the gate that leads from the lane to the Quay, but take the footpath about half way down the lane. This leads to the sea wall from which you can reach the Quay without passing any notice boards!
In the 60s the brick built cottages were still there, although uninhabited and used by the farmer for storage. The stone inscription was on a much older brick barn standing at the far end of the Quay. An old Thames barge was moored at the end of the canal.
Today? The cottages have been demolished. The barn is still there, but the inscription stone has been removed. (stolen?) And the skeleton of the barge rots like "Speedy" at the end of Beaumont Creek.