For history enthusiasts there’s nothing better than mooching around old antique shops or book stores in the search for old postcards and pictures depicting how things used to be.
After spending an enjoyable hour of two at Battlesbridge Antiques Centre at the weekend I was thrilled to come across these lovely old images of south Essex, which I quickly snapped up to share with our memories readers.
They show scenes from Southend, Hadleigh, Benfleet and Leigh in quieter and more innocent times.
People are pictured going about their business - always smartly dressed - and without a mobile phone in sight of course.
Scroll down for more vintage photos
Teas and tobacco - A woman walks past a tea shop opposite the Kursaal
Idyllic - A scene depicting everyday life in High Street, Hadleigh Village
A well-dressed little boy (and presumably his father) stand outside the Old Leigh Post Office in High Street
This side of High Street in Hadleigh Village had plenty of venues selling teas as well as booze at the Castle Hotel
A shot of Leigh Broadway looking east. Only a handful of the historic buildings shown here remain today
This photo shows fishing boats in South Benfleet Creek in 1928
Watermen, fishermen and their houseboats pictured at Benfleet Creek
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