Voices of Leigh-on-Sea

April 30, 2012 by Mike

Leigh-on-Sea has seen many changes over the past seventy years. From a small fishing village before the war, it has blossomed into a bustling commuter town, spreading it’s boundaries to encompass parts of Prittlewell and Eastwood. This change and adaptation has left its mark on the town, as well as on some of its residence, who have lived and worked in Leigh-on-Sea all their lives.

In this new volume, renowned local historian Judith Williams shares in the memories of those who remember the farms and country lanes that existed before the housing developments, when the fishing industry was a major employer in the town and when there were only two schools. Voices of Leigh-on-Sea offers a rare insight into residents lives and provides a unique historical record of a much-loved Essex village.

• Relive the town’s history through the eyes of those who resided there during this 70 year period.
• A collection of personal memories that will strike a chord with thousands of people living in the town as well as those interested in oral history.
• Includes 100 previously unpublished archive photographs capturing the community spirit of the area, the prolific fishing industry and buildings of the town.

Judith Williams is a long time resident of south-east Essex, and its history is her passion. She teaches an Adult Education course in Local History, and gives talks to many local groups as well as running the website www.essexhistory.co.uk. Judith has previously written three books under the Phillimore & Co. imprint, and Voices of Shoeburyness for The History Press in 2012. She lives in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.