For history enthusiasts there’s nothing better than mooching around old antique shops or book stores in the search for old postcards and pictures depicting how things used to be.

Echo: A rare photo of the original Talza Arcade entrance. The warren of unique shops opened opposite the Hippodrome Theatre in 1926.A rare photo of the original Talza Arcade entrance. The warren of unique shops opened opposite the Hippodrome Theatre in 1926. (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)

After spending an enjoyable hour of two at Battlesbridge Antiques Centre at the weekend I was thrilled to come across these lovely old images of south Essex, which I quickly snapped up to share with our memories readers.

Echo: The old white Talmage Buildings and Garons clocktower stood at the junction of High Street and Southchurch Road. It led to the area being known as ‘Garons Corner’.The old white Talmage Buildings and Garons clocktower stood at the junction of High Street and Southchurch Road. It led to the area being known as ‘Garons Corner’. (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)

They show scenes from Southend, Hadleigh, Benfleet and Leigh in quieter and more innocent times.

Echo: Jones’ Corner in Eastwood - this photo shows the old Willie Brothers radio shop. The photo looks to have been taken circa the 1920s.Jones’ Corner in Eastwood - this photo shows the old Willie Brothers radio shop. The photo looks to have been taken circa the 1920s. (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)

People are pictured going about their business - always smartly dressed - and without a mobile phone in sight of course.

Scroll down for more vintage photos

Echo: A woman walks past a tea shop situated right opposite the KursaalA woman walks past a tea shop situated right opposite the Kursaal (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)Teas and tobacco - A woman walks past a tea shop opposite the Kursaal

Echo: A scene depicting everyday life in High Street, Hadleigh Village A scene depicting everyday life in High Street, Hadleigh Village (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)

Idyllic - A scene depicting everyday life in High Street, Hadleigh Village

Echo: A well-dressed little boy (and presumably his father) stand outside the Old Town Leigh on Sea Post Office in High Street, LeighA well-dressed little boy (and presumably his father) stand outside the Old Town Leigh on Sea Post Office in High Street, Leigh (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)A well-dressed little boy (and presumably his father) stand outside the Old Leigh Post Office in High Street

Echo: This side of High Street in Hadleigh Village had plenty of venues selling teas as well as booze at the Castle HotelThis side of High Street in Hadleigh Village had plenty of venues selling teas as well as booze at the Castle Hotel (Image: Battlesbridge Antiques Centre)This side of High Street in Hadleigh Village had plenty of venues selling teas as well as booze at the Castle Hotel

Echo: A shot of Leigh Broadway looking east. Only a handful of the historic buildings shown here remain today

Echo: This photo shows fishing boats in South Benfleet Creek in 1928

Echo: Watermen, fishermen and their houseboats pictured at Benfleet Creek