Picture above is Lower Road, in Loughton, from c1900.

It was the old road into Loughton before the new road was constructed (left of picture below) and later altered in 1774 to lessen its steepness.

This was to ease the strain on the horses pulling heavily laden carts up what is now known as Goldings Hill.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: The two roads side by side todayThe two roads side by side today

Today 245 years after the work, the old “lower” road still runs beside the new.

You can follow Gary Stone on Twitter at Loughton History @lougtonhistory