Volunteers have highlighted the historical backgrounds to Braintree’s walkways and gants.
Members of the Civic Society, which was formed earlier this year, raised money for the signs to be up in six of the gants in the town with the permission of owners and Braintree Council.
Hilly Gant, which was resigned last week was named after the Reverend John Hill who was the vicar of St Michael’s Church in Braintree in the 16th century and war originally known as Hell’s Gant.
Other walkways to have signs put up include School Lane, Leather Lane which was known as Stone Lane, The Horn Yard, Iron Stile and Ironmonger Lane.
President of the Civic Society Mike Bardell said: “It is hoped that this project will not only help to preserve the town’s history but also act as a stimulus for enquiry into the wealth of information yet to be discovered on its past.”
Gants are unique to Braintree as the word was brought over by Flemish weavers in the period of Queen Elizabeth but elsewhere they are often referred to as alleys.
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