St Clement's Church, Leigh-on-Sea
Details
Accessibility:
At the boundary with the adjoining road (Church Hill) on the west side, entry to the church grounds is via a single step (approx 150mm high) at the outer gate position, this leads direct to the main west church entrance. There is a second level entry point to the grounds further south along Church Hill, although there is a slight trip hazard here and care may be needed. From this second entry point there is level access to the south church entrance which has been designed specifically to assist those with a disability. A third entry point is provided into the church grounds on the east side off the pavement of Leigh Hill, this has a small step approx 75mm in height.
There are two main access points into the church itself. The main west door has a level entrance into the porch area but then a single step (approx 150 high) down into the church nave, handrails are provided on either side. To the south a second more recent and wider entrance has been provided to give level access into the church. Double doors are electrically opened by means of a push button. From this entrance porch area, there is level access into the nave.
The Tudor brick porch on the south side is only opened for special occasions but has a level entry from outside.
Access to the Church Sanctuary is up two single steps and then to the altar up two further steps.
There is level access to the Lady Chapel and to the Resurrection Chapel.
Access up the church tower and onto the roof for views over the surrounding areas is available for the public but only on very limited days through the year (sometimes opened on a bank holiday for viewing but check with church for opening times.) Access to the tower roof is via 99 narrow winding steps with a simple rope handrail to assist your climb up.
Brief description:
An historic Parish Church at the top of the hill in Leigh-on-Sea. Originally built in the mid 15th Century and extensively extended and altered in the Tudor and Victorian years. Full of interesting features including "The Stairway to Nowhere", the East window depicting the Crucifixion, two Dunkirk memorials, the Tudor brick porch on the south side and a church tower some 80ft high giving magnificent views over the surrounding Essex towns and countryside.
Address:
St. Clement's Church, The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2BZ
(Correspondence address: The Rectory, 80 Leigh Hill, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1AR)
Email:
saintclementsleigh@outlook.com
Phone:
07884 148148
Website:
http://www.stclementschurch.org.uk
Directions:
From A13 travelling east from London towards Southend turn south (right turn) at traffic lights with Cranleigh Drive (Waitrose supermarket is on left hand side immediately before the junction); it is signposted to Leigh Town Centre on the A13. Follow road and it takes you round a bend and into Elm Road. Follow Elm Road up the hill as far as you can go (passing Leigh Community Centre and Leigh Police station on the right side) and the Church is in front of you where you have to turn east (left) into The Broadway or west (right) into Broadway West.
SO TQ 841858
Opening Times:
The church is open to visitors on most days but it is staffed entirely by volunteers so no guarantees can be given that it will be open on a specific day. Check with church if you plan to visit and wish to gain entry to the interior. See website for Church Service times.
Transport:
For more travel information go to http://www.traveline.info/ or call 0871 200 22 33.
Nearest train station is Leigh-on-Sea on the C2C train line running from London Fenchurch Street to Southend. From the station it is an approximate 15-20 minute walk up Belton Way, along Rectory Grove and into Broadway West to the Church. The number 26 bus runs every 30 minutes from the train station into Leigh-on-Sea.
Bus routes as at July 2019
Amenities:
A unisex toilet along with a disability toilet (including baby changing facility) is provided for visitors. These are located in the lobby as you enter through the south door.
The church does have tea-making facility but these are available only for specific functions, events or meetings.
When open for general visitors (as opposed to church services), there is often a volunteer available to show you around.
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
172 metres*
Truleigh Scrumptious, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
179 metres*
Bell Wharf (Leigh-on-Sea) Beach
234 metres*
Joscelyne's beach and adjoining beaches at Chalkwell
1,162 metres*
1,260 metres*
1,411 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.