HistoricaLEIGH - The Eden Point

October 19, 2014 by Carole Mulroney

The Eden Point

Much has been written recently about the development known as Eden Point in Rectory Grove. It is controversial, to say the least, but not more so than its namesake, the Rt Rev Robert Eden, Rector of Leigh. This illustrious churchman who went on to be the Bishop of Moray and Ross, was the first cousin twice removed of Sir Anthony Eden, Prime Minister in the 1950s, and the great great grandfather of Sir Laurence Olivier, the actor.

Whilst Rector of Leigh, he did many beneficial things, restoring the church, although causing some major damage as well, and building the Rectory (our much loved Library). He also built the schools on Church Hill for the education of his parishioners’ children.

But he also had a more unpopular side. According to Benton’s History of the Rochford Hundred, there were four paths leading into Chess Lane from the Old Town - Workhouse Lane from the side of the Crooked Billet; two from Peterboat Lane and the Church Lane. As part of his development of the Library the Rev Robert Eden absorbed and enclosed Chess Lane into his land. Leigh people were not happy about this as it deprived them of a well loved walk and was the usual route to the Church for weddings and funerals.

So in development world terms perhaps the naming of Eden Point which equally replaced a much loved St Clement’s Hall is an appropriate choice.