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Leigh (St. Clement)

LEIGH (St. Clement), a parish and sea-port, in the union and hundred of Rochford, S. division of Essex, 4½ miles (S. W.) from Rochford; containing 1271 inhabitants. The parish is situated on the bank of the river Thames, and includes an island called Leigh Marsh, and the eastern extremity of Canvey Island. The grounds rise gradually from the river to a considerable elevation, commanding beautiful views of the surrounding country; and the variety of the scenery, and the numerous pleasant rides and walks, render the place a favourite resort during the summer for the company visiting Southend, in its immediate neighbourhood. A trade in shrimps employs about 200 persons and nearly 100 boats. A small port is formed here by a channel from the Thames towards South Benfleet; a customhouse has been erected, and vessels of 180 tons come up with coal to the quay. A fair is held on the second Tuesday in May. The living is a rectory, valued in the king's books at £15; net income, £284; patron, the Bishop of London. The church, situated on the summit of a hill, is a handsome structure with a lofty tower. Here is a meeting-house for Wesleyans.

Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.

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