The Gangway and Retaining Walls

The Gangway and retaining walls form a raised pavement and roadway with associated cliff walls, dating from the early to mid-19th century, with later modifications in 1892-3 and 1897. The eastern retaining wall, constructed of dark brick, rises in height as the carriageway ascends the slope, beginning at the foreshore and disappearing behind a later building as it reaches Surrey Street. The footpath alongside is surfaced with tarmac, while the carriageway and pavement edges are made of red granite sets. Two parallel rows of large granite blocks run along the eastern side of the setts, designed for cart wheels. A high cobble cliff retaining wall, built in the early to mid-19th century, runs along the western edge of The Gangway; it features brick 'seams' dividing the areas of flint cobbles and includes a flight of steps at the seaward end leading up to East Cliff.

Historically, The Gangway and retaining wall illustrate the ongoing improvements to access the foreshore in the 19th century and represent impressive and unusual survivals. Originally a gully cut through the cliffs by a stream, The Gangway provided access for goods. At the top, it connects with a former 18th-century granary (located at Nos. 1-6). In the early to mid-19th century, the high cobbled retaining wall was built. The raised carriageway with its supporting eastern wall was likely constructed between 1892 and 1893, and was certainly in place by 1897 when the Cromer Urban District Council employed the architect A.F. Scott to lengthen and widen The Gangway and extend the setts seaward. Footpaths and red granite kerb stones were also laid down at this time, coinciding with improvements to the seawall defences.

The carefully angled setts were designed to provide grip for horses and donkeys. The entire area forms a significant group with the historic buildings lining East Cliff above and the sea wall defences and promenade that adjoin The Gangway on the western side.