Old Leigh , Essex
The Old Leigh got its charm as an old picturesque fishing village in Essex, UK. It is located approximately 30 miles east of London, down the River Thames. The scenic character of Leigh comprises of fishing boats ,old buildings ,craft shops,pubs ,houses, wharfs ,marine industries , cockle sheds dotting along the shoreline and stretching to the high street .
The Domesday Book of 1086 has a record of Leigh as named "Legra", a small fishing hamlet. . Attributed to its better location along the shipping route to London, it flourished and by the 16th century it transformed as a relatively large and prosperous port.
Big ships of 340 tons are recorded as being built in Leigh, including
those for the local fishing fleets. Having its location at the mouth of the Thames, Leigh was often used by the navy against threats from pirates and the French, Spanish and Dutch Navies. The Mayflower is believed to have docked on this village to take on provisions and passengers before it's epic voyage to the new world with the Pilgrim Fathers.
By the 18th century trade has changed and ships being used were larger .
Also at this period Leigh's deep water channel silted up and the significance of the town had reduced . It then gradually reverted to a fishing village, supplying the London market by road and barge .
Old Leigh , Essex
The Old Leigh got its charm as an old picturesque fishing village in Essex, UK. It is located approximately 30 miles east of London, down the River Thames. The scenic character of Leigh comprises of fishing boats ,old buildings ,craft shops,pubs ,houses, wharfs ,marine industries , cockle sheds dotting along the shoreline and stretching to the high street .
The Domesday Book of 1086 has a record of Leigh as named "Legra", a small fishing hamlet. . Attributed to its better location along the shipping route to London, it flourished and by the 16th century it transformed as a relatively large and prosperous port.
Big ships of 340 tons are recorded as being built in Leigh, including
those for the local fishing fleets. Having its location at the mouth of the Thames, Leigh was often used by the navy against threats from pirates and the French, Spanish and Dutch Navies. The Mayflower is believed to have docked on this village to take on provisions and passengers before it's epic voyage to the new world with the Pilgrim Fathers.
By the 18th century trade has changed and ships being used were larger .
Also at this period Leigh's deep water channel silted up and the significance of the town had reduced . It then gradually reverted to a fishing village, supplying the London market by road and barge .