Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh-on-Sea
Leigh-on-Sea shown within Essex
Population	20,737
OS grid reference	TQ841859
Unitary authority	Southend-on-Sea
Ceremonial county	Essex
Region	East
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	LEIGH-ON-SEA
Postcode district	SS9
Dialling code	01702
Police	Essex
Fire	Essex
Ambulance	East of England
European Parliament	East of England
UK Parliament	Southend West
List of places: UK • England • Essex

Coordinates: 51°32′33″N 0°39′13″E / 51.5425, 0.6535

Leigh-on-Sea is a civil parish administered as part of Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, England. In 1996, it became a civil parish, and a town council was created, funded by an increased council tax rate in the area. The parish, which is the only one in Southend, had a population of 20,737 according to the 2001 census.

Leigh-on-Sea was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Legra. Located next to the sea, Leigh has been primarily a fishing village for most of its history. However, its sheltered position at the mouth of the Thames gave it some success as a port, with international trade and a shipbuilding business. The Mayflower may have been built in Leigh-on-Sea; it was certainly fitted out there^{[citation needed]}

The arrival of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway in 1854 spurred the town's development, allowing greater trade with London and the rest of the world, and making it a commuter town for London workers. Leigh-on-Sea railway station is run and served solely by c2c.

The regatta is held over one weekend in September. It is organised by the three Sea Scout Groups based in the Old Town to raise funds for local Scouting and a nominated charity. Leigh-on-Sea holds an annual Art Trail where local and invited international artists show their works in the area's shops and cafes.

Leigh-on-Sea is the setting of Tim Bowler's book Midget. Further literary connections include the fact that John Fowles was born here in 1926 - the author of such novels as 'The Collector', 'The Magus, and 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'.

The Evening Standard newspaper, issued on August 11, 2007 named Leigh-On-Sea the second best place to live within the South-East of England, after Christchurch.

[edit] Notable Persons

Trevor Bailey - Ex-England Cricket Captain
Phil Cornwell - Comedian/Impressionist
Tina Cousins - Singer
John Fowles - Author
Phill Jupitus - Television Presenter/Comedian
Dominic Littlewood - Television Presenter
David Lloyd - Tennis Player/Businessman
John Lloyd - Tennis Player/Commentator
Hannah Tointon - Actress
Kara Tointon - Actress
Steve Wright - Radio Presenter
Lee Stafford - Celebrity Hairdresser
These New Puritans - Rock Group