NOT much has changed on Marine Parade in Leigh when the “then” photo was taken in 1938.
However, number 26 (the property in the centre of the photo) has a juicy history, as this was where HG Wells’ lover, the writer Dame Rebecca West and their child Anthony moved to in 1917.
Author Dee Gordon writes in her book Secret History of Southend: “Anthony enjoyed the open surroundings with their public gardens, and even, given his age, the sound of gunfire.
The area, however, was in the firing line for German air raids, and Rebeccabecamenervous whenZeppelins flew overhead and anti-aircraft guns kepther awake atnight.”
Photos are sourced by Jon Wennington, member of Ros Southend Past in Photos. Old Southend and memories Facebook group.
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