TRADITIONAL SEASIDE FAYRE

 Let's have a more detailed look at Leigh-on-Sea, which is actually on the Thames Estuary. Here's the original railway station, right in the heart of the old town. It was replaced in the 1930s by a more modern affair, somewhat to the west.

The station is still in use today, served by C2C.

The High Street, an old postcard view.

Leigh-on-Sea has long been known for its seafood, which is brought ashore and sold on the High Street. Here are the cockle sheds. As far as I'm concerned, cockles and whelks should be banned. Cockles because they're always in vinegar and whelks seem to be made of rubber. Oysters are OK if cooked. Mussels and prawns are great. Ooops, I'm digressing.

The Strand, circa 1910.

Leigh-on-Sea from the jetty.

The Crooked Billet, on the High Street, in olden days and in 2014.

A fishing boat at rest for the evenng and other small boats at rest.

And so the sun goes down over the Thames.

We're now off to the pub. The Mayflower serves excellent beer and also doubles as a fish & chip shop. A fine way to end an evening.

Tomorrow, we're off to Southend.