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.

Echo: Who lived in a house like this - for a time Dame Rebecca West and her son AnthonyWho lived in a house like this - for a time Dame Rebecca West and her son Anthony (Image: Jon Wennington)

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.

Echo: Past images - Marine Parade in Leigh in 1938Past images - Marine Parade in Leigh in 1938 (Image: Sourced by Jon Wennington)

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.