The historic fishing port and St Clement's Church in the Broadway are two remnants of the past that have ensured Leigh has kept its unique character.

The town was first mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 as “Legra”, a small fishing port.

With trade increasing in the Middle Ages, Leigh took advantage of its position on the shipping route to London and began to prosper.

By the 13th Century, the town had its own parish church, St Clement's, although the present building dates from the 15th century.

By the 16th century Leigh had become a large and prosperous port handling coastal and continental trade, especially with France.

In it heyday, Leigh had strong links through its seamen with both Trinity House and the Royal Navy.

Because of its location at the mouth of the Thames, Leigh and its shipping were used by the Navy against threats from pirates and foreign European navies.

Many men entered the Navy from choice or via press gangs , and some rose to high ranks such as Sir Richard Haddock who became Comptroller of the Navy in the 17th century.

Others served Trinity House, and the Salmon family provided two Masters of Trinity House in the 16th and 17th centuries.

During the 18th century, ships became bigger and trade changed. At the same time, Leigh’s deep-water channel silted up, prompting a decline in trade.

Over many years, it moved backwards to a fishing village, supplying the London market by road and barge.

The London to Tilbury railway was extended to Southend in 1856.

While it was probably one of the most important events in Southend's history, the line split Leigh into two.

As a result, many of the timber framed buildings were demolished.

Many older Leigh residents lament the loss of the buildings, particularly those in Leigh Old Town.

The new LTS Railway did, however, encourage the fishing industry with fast transit to Billingsgate fish market in east London.

The extension of the railway line forced new housing on Leigh.

New housing development on the hillside to the north to replace houses demolished for the railway.

It also provided better housing in place of the overcrowded conditions in the Old Town.

The extension of any transport route to a new town prompts new settlers - and people seeking to cash in.

Property speculators also followed the railway. Leigh was promoted as a resort to rival the “Queen of Watering Places” and in one instance even Naples, and as a peaceful residential dormitory for London.

Despite its own growth, in 1913 Leigh was incorporated within the rapidly expanding Borough of Southend and it became only a small part of a much larger town. But its fishing industry has continued, although on a smaller scale.

There is a small fishing fleet and a fisherman's co-operative in Leigh Old Town.

Leigh's rich history somehow enables to keep its charm and character.

In recent years, property prices in Leigh have massively increased following an influx of young, professionals. Alongside this, investors have ploughed money into new cafes, restaurants and trendy bars.