The Norfolk coastline is almost 100 miles long and extends from Hopton, just south of Great Yarmouth, northwards past the seaside resorts of Winterton, Happisburgh, Mundesley, Cromer, Sheringham and Holkham before it merges into Lincolnshire at King's Lynn. After the devastating floods in 1953, where 300 people lost their lives, the first sea defences were built along the coastline and at first the rate of erosion decreased. However, large portions of the revetments have been destroyed during the last 40 years, despite repairs, and beach and cliff erosion continue.