Mistley Quay wall (also known as Thorn or Allen's Quay)

Mistley Quay wall, also known as Thorn or Allen's Quay, dates from the late 18th century and was designed by the Duke of Bridgewater for the Hon. Richard Rigby, the Paymaster General, in 1777. It has been modified and repaired in the 20th century.

The quay wall is constructed of brick and Portland stone and runs for approximately 212 meters, aligned north-west to south-east, following the contour of the south bank of the River Stour. At the south-east end, the historic quay wall has a slight indent before meeting a 20th-century steel revetment. At the north-west end, the historic fabric connects with a 20th-century timber and steel revetment.

The exterior of the quay wall features red and gault brick, with some areas patched using 20th-century replacement bricks, and is accented by horizontal bands of roughly dressed Portland stone. Regularly spaced vertical stone courses in the quay face indicate the former dock's position at the north-west end and may also mark mooring spots along its length. There is a watergate from 1725 located towards the north-west end, but it could not be inspected in detail in 2013. At the south-east end, the horizontal stone bands show signs of distortion, which may indicate that the quay surface was ramped in part or that there was structural failure in the past, leading to the construction of a 20th-century brick revetment. Where visible, Portland stone blocks form the kerb of the quay, but the roadway above is covered with a 20th-century concrete surface, obscuring any earlier materials that may still exist.