It was located close to the site of the former Cannon Street Road station which was open between 1842 and 1848 on the same route.

The station was partially rebuilt between 1894 and 1896 in connection with the building of a fourth track from Fenchurch Street to Stepney.

During the First World War, Leman Street was closed in May 1916 as a wartime economy measure but reopened in July 1919.

[3] After years of decreasing usage, it closed permanently in on 7 July 1941[2] when operated by the London and North Eastern Railway, along with the neighbouring Shadwell & St. Georges East station.

Trains on the main line from Fenchurch Street now run directly to Limehouse without stopping.