In the early nineteenth century Pitsea was still a largely rural Essex parish. Its historic centre lay around Pitsea Mount and scattered farms, while Pitsea Hall stood closer to the marshes. The railway would become one of the greatest influences on Pitsea's later development.
The route formed part of what became the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway. The London Tilbury and Southend Extension Railway Act received approval on 17 June 1852, authorising railway construction towards Southend through the Thames-side districts of south Essex.
The first proposed station for this part of the route was at Vange, around the Fobbing crossing area, and land was acquired there. The proposed Vange station was never built. Historical railway accounts record that demand for a station better placed for the wider district, including people approaching from the direction of Wickford, contributed to Pitsea being selected instead.
A small portion of land adjoining Pitsea Hall was acquired for the railway. The line therefore crossed part of the old estate landscape, explaining the close relationship between the railway, Pitsea Hall Lane and the historic manor.
Pitsea railway station opened on 1 July 1855. The original railway approached London through the Tilbury route. Pitsea, Benfleet and Leigh opened as the railway pushed eastwards, while Southend was reached in March 1856.
The original Pitsea station was slightly south of today's principal station site. It had two platforms and a timber station building on the down side, serving the direction towards Southend. The station stood close to Pitsea Hall Lane level crossing.
Fast access to London made the area more attractive for settlement, commuting, trade and later land sales. Over time development increasingly gathered around the High Road, Station Lane and the railway rather than only around the ancient hilltop settlement.