| Leigh-on-Sea | |
  Leigh-on-Sea shown within Essex |
|
| Population | 20,737 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Unitary authority | Southend-on-Sea |
| Ceremonial county | Essex |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LEIGH-ON-SEA |
| Postcode district | SS9 |
| Dialling code | 01702 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | Southend West |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| List of places: UK • England • Essex | |
Leigh-on-Sea is a civil parish administered as part of Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, England. In 1996, it became a civil parish, and a town council was created, funded by an increased council tax rate in the area. The parish, which is the only one in Southend, had a population of 20,737 according to the 2001 census. Leigh-on-Sea was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Legra. Located next to the sea, Leigh has been primarily a fishing village for most of its history. However, its sheltered position at the mouth of the Thames gave it some success as a port, with international trade and a shipbuilding business. The Mayflower may have been built in Leigh-on-Sea; it was certainly fitted out there The arrival of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway in 1851 spurred the town's development, allowing greater trade with London and the rest of the world, and making it a commuter town for London workers. The regatta is held over one weekend in September. It is organised by the three Sea Scout Groups based in the Old Town to raise funds for local Scouting and a nominated charity. Leigh-on-Sea holds an annual Art Trail where local and invited international artists show their works in the area's shops and cafes. Leigh-on-Sea is the setting of Tim Bowler's book Midget. Further literary connections include the fact that John Fowles was born here in 1926 - the author of such novels as 'The Collector', 'The Magus, and 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'. The Evening Standard newspaper, issued on August 8, 2006 named Leigh-On-Sea the best place to live within the South-East of England, ahead of Bishop's Stortford.
Gallery
 Cockle Boats in Old Leigh |
 St Clement's Church, Leigh-on-Sea |
 The Grand Hotel, Leigh-on-Sea |
Notable Persons
Trevor Bailey - Ex-England Cricket Captain
Phil Cornwell - Comedian/Impressionist
Tina Cousins - Singer
John Fowles - Author
Phill Jupitus - Television Presenter/Comedian
Dominic Littlewood - Television Presenter
David Lloyd - Tennis Player/Businessman
John Lloyd - Tennis Player/Commentator
Steve Wright - Radio Presenter
