The fields at Belfairs Farm in Leigh, Essex were created by clearing woodland owned by Lady Olivia Bernard SPARROW between 1804-1842 and there is evidence to suggest there had been a farm there to manage the woods since the 13th century. The land was originally part of the holdings of Leigh Manor, not changing until the death of Lady Sparrow in 1863 when her estates were sold and can be traced back through the family to Richard RICH, 1st Earl of Warwick, who acquired it from Henry CAREY, 1st Baron Hudson in the mid-16th century.
Nestled along the tidal edge of Leigh Creek, the cockle sheds of Old Leigh have long stood as weathered sentinels of a once-thriving fishing community. Among them, No. 1 Cockle Shed holds a particularly rich history, one that traces not only the evolution of the local shellfish trade but also the enduring legacy of the Harvey family, who worked these shores for generations.
Every day, we walk past and sit on park benches, many of which have plaques dedicated to departed loved ones. Recently, I realised that I had never taken the time to properly read these inscriptions. As both an artist and a genealogist, I thought it would be an interesting project to photograph each bench and research the lives of the individuals commemorated on them.
There are fifty seven benches with plaques along Marine Parade between Vernon Road and Belton Way East.
There are thirty nine benches with plaques along Marine Parade between the corner of Thames Drive and Belton Way to the corner of Vernon Road.
There are twenty one benches with memorial plaques along Marine Parade between Tattersall Gardens and Thames Drive.
