Access road, underpass and retaining walls from Court Stairs to Western Undercliff

A pathway, retaining walls and bridge connecting Court Stairs to the Western Undercliff, designed as part of the Royal Esplanade improvements along the seafront to the west of Ramsgate, between 1924 and 1926 under the overall charge of BB Franklin and Basil C Deacon and executed by Deacon and James Pulham and Sons.

MATERIALS and PLAN: Pulhamite concrete laid over brick and stone hardcore. The pathway ascends in a serpentine curve between sides covered with Pulhamite which are moulded and coloured in imitation of geological strata. A footbridge, forming part of the upper terrace of Royal Esplanade and overlooking the sea, crosses the pathway. The footway is grooved in imitation of crazy paving.

EXTERIOR: at the upper level of the pathway the sides are formed by low boulders forming a rockery. As the path descends the sides become stepped and include planting troughs. The upper walkway bridges the path by means of a single arch and beyond this the Pulhamite sides gradually diminish in height and blend into the natural cliff face to the west and join with the concrete blocks of a reinforcing wall to the east.