Coast Road Heritage & Arts Trail

Weaving History and Art Together

BOAT LINEUP | MAP | TIMETABLE | PHOTO TRAIL

Over the past year Essex Heritage Workboats have been hosting The EHWB Mersea Hub at the Mersea Museum to explore the stories behind the boats connected to Mersea. We have identified nearly 50 boats that were built to work and still exist.

Now we are so excited to share these stories and gather the boats together in one place along Coast Road, Mersea. We are literally taking their archive on tour!

Mersea Island Museum is celebrating its 50th Anniversay this year. To be working with them to to enable us to share their amazing archive is just incredible.

We will be transporting you back to another time along Coast Road with images from yesteryear.

We are sharing with you the art of Mersea Oyster Tendle making. We are so proud of the research carried out to bring this unique Mersea basket back to life. When we started the project in partnership with The Mersea Museum we never expected to have a tendle back in the boats they worked with but we have and now this story can be shared.

Storytelling Circle will allow us to share tales that have been uncovered in the EHWB Mersea Hub over the past year. They might just make you smile or blush !

An exhibition in the Wyatts Old Chandlers will tell the story of William Wyatts and the people who built the Mersea Boats - our thanks go to Charlotte for sharing this space with us.

In The Church we are celebrating with an exhibition called “FOR THE LOVE OF THE FISHERFOLK”

The Company Shed, a very well known oyster lovers destination, is celebrating their 40th Anniversary and we are pleased to be sharing their story.

Where would we be without music to keep us dancing, well fear not we have not one one but five designated Busking Spots along the Trail.

The Coast Road Residents have been invited to join in by decorating their homes, driveways and balconies in anyway they feel fit to help us celebrate our Maritime Heritage , we hear there might even be a few fishermen around the place too !

All the clubs, organisations and businesses have also been invited to bring a little Coast Road Trail joy into their Bank Holiday plans. The Lifeboat Station will be open to show you around on the Sunday and they are also sharing their long Mersea heritage with storytelling and exhibition.

And if that’s not enough we are encouraging everyone to record the weekend in whatever medium takes your fancy photography, watercolours, sketching or even pottery. The Museum will be hosting an exhibition at the end of the Summer to allow you to share with us how you were inspired.

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OUR MARITIME HERITAGE OVER A WONDERFULLY CREATIVE WEEKEND

Mersea Heritage Workboats, Mersea Museum, Mersea Art Collective’s Art Trail and Open Studios are pleased to announce a major celebration of Mersea Island’s maritime heritage

Come with us as we explore from the far end of the Coast Road at the Old City to the Mersea Museum.

10am to 5pm 23rd/24th/25th May 2026

Starting at the Mersea Museum where they are hosting the Mersea Collective’s Open Studio and their Summer Exhibition, to the Church where we are holding an Exhibition “For The Love Of The Fisherfolk, we stretch round pass the Art Cafe and Oyster Gallery that is open for you to explore.

As you pass by the iconic houseboats, their history will unfold of King’s Yachts and glamour and their connection to the fishermen and the historic working boats that are lined up by the old oyster pits.

Then call into the Open Studios at Clark & Carters. Then at the Old Life boat Shed we discover the endangered art of hand drawn sign writing. The oyster pits form a central element to the heritage of this Island and we can demonstrate that in both old and new methods of photography.

At Peter Clark’s and their connections to the waterfront we share their long Mersea heritage. We continue pass Wyatts where we are holding an exhibition of the Mersea Boatbuilding Heritage, stop by the Company Shed, The Dabchicks Sailing Club and the Lifeboat Station.

Alongside the boats, the weekend will feature exhibitions, open artist studios, storytelling, and musical performances — all celebrating the rich maritime identity that continues to shape Mersea’s creative and community life.

EHWB are very pleased to be working together with so many incredible people to make this weekend a reality

MERSEA’S HERITAGE BOATS LINE UP

Over the past year Essex Heritage Workboats have been hosting The EHWB Mersea Hub at the Mersea Museum to explore the stories behind the boats connected to Mersea. We have identified nearly 50 boats that were built to work and still exist.

Now we are so excited to share these stories and gather the boats together in one place along Coast Road, Mersea.

Invitations have been sent out to the owners of the boats inviting them to join the Line Up or if they are not able to join us in person, we would love to include their vessel’s story and their connection to Mersea.

  • Ino CK109 1926

    Lizzie n/k

    Jinny CK14 11948

    Silver Spray CK163 1949

    Golden Chance CK166 1949

    Spray CK135 1958

    Mersea Native CK94 1960

    Native-1920

    Betty Mary-

  • Gipsy CK79 1930

    Boy George CK28 1931

    Mystery CK59 c.1900

    Lilian CK19 c.1900

    Marie CK22 c.1900

    Alice c.1900

    Bumble c.1895

    Pyefleet c.1950

    Jack CK91 1920

    Winnie CK98 1922

    Wheezy Anna CK88 1925

    Genesta c1928

    Ally Lump

    Oyster

  • Our Boys 92CK 1911

    Boadicea CK213 1808

    Mayflower CK44 1887

    Dorothy CK159 1889

    Gracie CK46 1890

    Peace CK171 1910

    Puritan CK395 1892

    Hyacinth CK256 1900

    Electron CK36 1909

    G&A CK76 1909

    Ida CK3 1876

    Phantom CK437 1897

    Primrose CK273 1892

    Priscilla CK437 1893

    Skylark MN4 1877

    Sybil CK349 1901

  • Alberta 318CK 1888

    Ethel Alice CK476 1897

    Kate CK52 1883

    MarthaII MN69 1876

    Mayfly CK363 1875

    Mary CK78 1850

    Florrie May 1911

    Sunbeam CK328 1881

BOAT LINEUP | MAP | TIMETABLE | PHOTO TRAIL

Vessel Owner’s RSVP

BOAT LINEUP | MAP | TIMETABLE | PHOTO TRAIL

  • Start the Coast Road Heritage and Arts Trail at the Mersea Museum where you will be able to explore their 50th Anniversary Summer Exhibition along with a wonderful opportunity to explore a selection of artists work in a Open Studio Pop Up. There are Open Studio maps available here.

  • Discover how the Church has played an important role in the lives of Mersea’s Fisherfolk with an exhibition of weddings, the beautiful Stoker Window and music to accompany you. The Tower will be open each afternoon and there are teas available thanks to the lovely community at the Church.

  • In a quiet corner we are sharing some wonderful stories from the Island.

    Join us as we bring to life the lives of those who bring such colour to our community

    Watch out for out timetable here

  • Stand for a moment and join in with the amazing buskers that are filling the route with their music. If the spot is empty feel free to add to the day’s entertainment !

  • Over the past couple of years we have been working on an amazing project to discover how the Mersea Oyster Tendle was constructed . At the home of the last know maker, Basil Milgate you can discover what we have found and actually hold a new one ! Demonstration 12pm - 2pm every day

  • Over the years we have welcomed a varied array of vessels that have made their homes along Coast Road. Some have even been removed and restored back to their glory. One being KISMET who can be seen regularly racing during the summer regattas.

  • Stand for a moment and join in with the amazing buskers that are filling the route with their music. If the spot is empty feel free to add to the day’s entertainment !

  • Join us at Dukes Oyster Bar where you can see the remains of the oyster pits from a long ago time. Take time to learn how the famous Mersea oysters are opened and maybe enjoy one of the tasty seafood platters.

  • We are gathering together for the weekend a selection of the remaining heritage workboats of Mersea.

    From the graceful oyster smacks to the restored Bumpkins and winklebrigs and not forgetting the beautiful smacks boats and punts.

    We hope you enjoy having a chat with the crews and owners of these wonderful vessels that we are so proud of.

    The list of boats can be found here

  • Learn more of the Clarke & Carter story.

    Stand for a moment and join in with the amazing buskers that are filling the route with their music. If the spot is empty feel free to add to the day’s entertainment !Item descriptio.

    Pop into the Open Studios here that are very excited to show you around their work.

  • Watch Simon turn ALICE a c.1900 Sprat Skiff into an incredible piece of art. Using her clinker planks as his canvas he is going to produce a unique piece of artwork over the weekend.

  • Clarkes and Wyatts have played a major role in the working lives of Coast Road. Learn more of how Clarkes have shaped the waterfront and how four generations are still proud to be here working with the sailing community.

    Step inside the Wyatts Gallery and learn about the story of William Wyatt and how he is still with us in our amazing boats. We are very proud to welcome Jamie Dodds to share his story with us along with other amazing artists.

  • Gowans has been present on Coast Road for over a hundred years. Sail technology has changed greatly over that time but we are so pleased to still require the traditional methods for our sails. We welcome the next generation of sail makers to show us the age old techniques.

  • Join us on Sunday for a full day of activities involving the incredible crew of the Mersea RNLI lifeboat crew and their community. The Lifeboat Station will be open from 11am - 4pm. Water safety demos will be held outside in the morning with the Mersea Sea Shanty group singing there between 2 and 3pm. Teas,  coffee, squash, cakes and biscuits will be served inside.

  • The famous Company Shed is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year and they would like to share with you their story. Heather Haward will be sharing stories from her new book, be ready to wipe away the tears of laughter!

  • Experience an old story come to life as the neighbours hang out their washing once again one the Village Green.

    Stand for a moment and join in with the amazing buskers that are filling the route with their music. If the spot is empty feel free to add to the day’s entertainment !

    Pop into the Dabchicks to learn more of their history on Coast Road and the important impact they have had on generations of Mersea people.

  • Wander round the corner of the Dabchicks Sailing Club and along the Old City’s quay where the fishermen lived. Pop into the Open Studio of Chrissie Westgate and discover her amazing collection of photography.

BOAT LINEUP | MAP | TIMETABLE | PHOTO TRAIL

the white hart c.1914

Early bus, taxi and charabanc outside the White Hart in Mersea. The fleet is thought to have been owned by the White Hart. Postcard sent to Miss M.E. Went, from ‘Mother’, posted 1914. Arthur Went was landlord of the White Hart for several years.

molly kennel’s bookshop

Molly was the owner of the oyster smack HYACITH CK256 for many years. Her son Brian was to go on to have a successful trade as a boatbuilder which included the complete rebuild of the PIONEER Class 1 Smack.

coast road c.1900

Taken near the beginning of last century, from Church Road. The only building in Coast Road is the pair of weatherboard cottages opposite St Peter’s Well. (Still there although much improved.) The Pullen Family lived there, and worked on the Market Garden owned by the people living in Yew Tree House. 12 members of the Pullen Family were born there.

waverley hotel c.1912

The Waverley Hotel, West Mersea. Coast Road. Postcard mailed 16 October 1912, to Mrs R. Burgess, The Chase, West Mersea. Now known as Coast House, restored in the mid 1970’s to its former glory.

coastguard station c.1909

Coast Road - Coastguard hut and mast for signalling to Tollesbury, as seen from the beach. The Waverley Hotel is on the right. The house to the left of the flagpole is Ivy Dene. Postcard mailed 27 September 1909 to Miss N.H. Smith, Station Road, Great Bentley, from Gran.

the barometer c.1924

‘Billy Oak’ Hewes and Titus Mussett. Billy was Harry Mussett’s great grandfather and was named ‘Oak’ after the smack. The picture shows the barometer in the wall by The Square on Coast Road - the wall and case are still there, but the barometer has gone. Titus Mussett is holding an oyster tendle. The name on Bill Oak Hewes’ jersey is NANCY, RHYC.

rosebank house c.1920

Built early 1900’s and owned by George Edgar Roberts who lived there until the 1940’s. It was demolished in early 1960’s.

houseboats c.1926

Houseboat LA NOISETTE at West Mersea early 1920s. The boat was owned by Charles Simpson Mason, born 1860 and died 1926. It is thought she then became the MARSH VIEW, owned by Dora Clift. The boat was near the bottom of Hove Hill, probably with the houseboat MAUREEN between it and the road. Charles Simpson Mason ran a Tea Importing Business in Ipswich. 

the victory public house c.1940

Victory Hotel on Coast Road, with its dance hall. The dance hall was burnt down 9 August 1941 as recorded in Mary French’s diary of 1941.

burma road boatyard c.1964

Burma Road Boatyard as it’s known locally at the bottom of Victory Road and Coast Road. The Phone box is long gone, The sailing barge ARROW is laid up for the winter. She was owned by the Barge Club based now in Maldon. 

dukes oyster shed c.1955

Douglas Mussett, a well known oysterman used to sell his catch from this shed which was known as “Dukes” due to a local story that the American film star John Wayne, known as Duke, visited Mersea Island and knew Douglas. He owned MARIE CK22 who can still be seen racing in local regattas.

stags head oyster fishery co. c.1940

The oysterman George Stoker of West Mersea before the ‘office’ of the Stags Head Oyster Fishery Company. A wartime picture - there is barbed wire in the foreground. The bumpkin CK28 BOY GEORGE was built for George Stoker and named after his son George, who was killed 1941 when HMS VAN MEERLANT was mined.

the sailing & social club c.1930

Sailing and Social Club on Coast Road. This was its original position. Following a fire, it was rebuilt further back. Today the new building is known as The Coast Inn however many still refer to it as the Soc n’ Sail.

the oyster pits c.1910

After a days fishing. Oyster pits at West Mersea. Shows the French family. L-R Tom French, Arthur ‘Snoggie’ French (28), Herbert Thomas French Waters (15)

clarke & carter c.1950

Clarke & Carters was a very busy boatyard in those days with slipways opposite. Yachts would be hauled over the road and stored in the big shed for winter storage and the slipway would be full of boats.With a spar shop above the workshop at 110.

west mersea lifeboat c.1985

Back row (L-R) Albert Clarke, Peter French, Patrick Hill, Wally Daniels, John French, William Baker, Jonathan French, Diggle Haward, Peter Clarke, David Baccon, Steve Graham, Leeroy Copping, Ian Crossley, Sue Griffin, Tony Purnell, Matthew Haward.

Front row Simon Broadhurst, Murray Graham’s boy ?, Richard Taylor, Clive Pickering, David Mills, Brian Jay, Jim Clarke, Terence Smith.

journey’s end c.1920

Mrs Mary Josephine Condon and Mrs Rhona Keenlyside at gate at what is now the West Mersea Yacht Club. Journey’s End, Coast Road, West Mersea was built c1908, It became the West Mersea Yacht Club from 1934.

bentley’s oyster fishery co. ltd. c.1952

Unloading oysters on West Mersea Hard. Baskets are marked with ‘B’ which stands for Bentley’s oysters. Bentley’s Oyster Specialists, Piccadilly, London W.1. Suppliers to principal hotels, restaurants, clubs and private parties. Bentley’s Oyster Fishery Co. Ltd. Coast Road, their shed was formerly the Stags Head Oyster Company.

petrol pumps at the hard c.1960

Home to Jim & Lil Clarke. Jim is well known for his engineering and has a long association with many vessels that have called Mersea their home. His workshop in the Lane behind his brother Peter’s boatyard was always busy with the latest project. Next door is now the home of the Blackwater Pearl known as Fleetwood Stores previously.

top of the causeway c.1950

Top of the Causeway. Coast Road and the Hard, West Mersea.

the legend c.1940

The shed was known as the Legend and could be floated to anywhere required on the Hard. ‘Brassy’ Mussett is seen with hands on hips, who, with his brother ‘Cadder’, also retailed oysters in their shop in the High Street. The shed was given the name Legend by Baring-Gould, who said it had been there for so long it had become a legend.

peter clarke’s boatyard c.1960

The shed was erected in 1960 for Clarkes & Carters. Eventually Peter Clarke took the site on and it became known as Peter Clarke’s Boatyard. They recently welcomed the fourth generation working alongside them is Zak and Harry Clarke who are embarking on their own marine endeavours.

wyatts shed c.1955

The ageing William decided to relinquish some responsibility and the business became a Limited Company with his nephew Edward Wyatt, his first wife’s nephew H. Frederick Cutts and his son Harold as co-directors. William continued to visit the yard frequently and took his pint at the Social and Sailing Club or The Victory with old friends and past clients.

gowens sailmakers c.1930

Sail-makers, riggers, ship-chandlers & upholsterers. Coal and Corn-sack, Rick-cloth & tent manufacturers. Gowen’s had sites in Mersea and Tollesbury at this time. This building was to be become the office for Wyatts.

wm wyatt chandlery c.1965

Harold Cutts outside chandlery shop of Wm Wyatt Ltd. William Wyatt completed his last punt in 1950 aged 85 and was set afloat in her when she was launched,. Soon after he passed on and the waterside missed his daily appearance. The firm continued to build, repair and maintain yachts and boats but gradually, during the 1960s its interests became concentrated towards providing a comprehensive chandlery, which continues under the name William Wyatt Ltd.

gowen sailmakers c.1960

The New Gowen Sailmakers Building. Gowen’s founded a sailmakers in Tollesbury and a similar business in Coast Road Gowen (West Mersea) Ltd. This was a firm of sailmakers and outfitters whose products became internationally renowned.

alice reed’s shop c.1960

Alice Reed née Hewes was Owen’s grandmother. Alice used the shop when Owen’s great grandfather John Hewes died - he originally kept the shop in a room of his cottage. [ Owen Fletcher ] John Hewes would not sell cigarettes to women. It was against his principles to encourage women to smoke. He sent them up the road to Sid Hewes who kept a sweet and cigarette shop near the causeway.

the old city c.1930

Girls with pram on Coast Road with the Lane and the Old Victory beyond them. The site on the left was where The Tollesbury & Mersea Native Oyster Co built their office. Later to become the Company Shed.

washing line c.1954

Washing on the Village Green was a common sight in the Old City. This was a tradition that carried on for many years. It’s an ancient custom down at the Old City, West Mersea every Monday morning. For a century at least washing has been hung out among the boats on the hard.

the old victory c.1905

In the centre of Mersea City was its inn, the Old Victory, now a private house. Previously it had been the Leather Bottle, and old Mrs De Witt consoled herself there with a glass of rum. The Old City with the Victory centre left and Cornerways on the right at the bottom of the Lane. Cornerways was later reduced in height. The signwriting on the front of the Victory is Colchester Brewing Company, Fine ales and stout, wines and spirits. W. Trim proprietor.

william wyatts shed c.1930

Thomas Wyatt died in 1899 and William became the ‘Mr Wyatt’ at the waterside for the remainder of his long life. By then smaller yachts began to frequent West Mersea in summer and gradually a few were moored there. The Wyatt yard attended to their needs and increasingly laid up several each winter in mud berths on the foreshore, tended by William and his few helpers.

the old city c.1910

L-R: William Nice, Jack Owen, Margaret Owen, Liz Owen, Arthur Owen, Frank Nice

bert cudmore’s shop c.1950

Bert Cudmore shop, 148 Coast Road, The Old City. Many people have memories of there being a little shop round the back of the Dabchicks.

the nothe c.1950

The home to the fishermen of the island for many years, this row of cottages are tucked around the corner. It is also known as Cooper’s Quay because there was a barrel maker here that made the barrels for the oysters.

  • the white hart

  • molly kennel’s bookshop

  • the barometer

  • the sailing & social club

  • clarke & carter

  • west mersea lifeboat

  • petrol pumps at the hard

  • wm wyatt chandlery

  • alice reed’s shop

  • the old city

  • washing line

  • waterside

  • monkey steps

  • bill french