History of

A 210 foot jetty was built in 1822 but was washed away in 1843 to be replaced, two years later, with a 240 foot structure. This lasted until 1890 when it too was destroyed by heavy seas. The remains were sold at auction for £40.

A 500 foot iron pier, the inspired work of a London engineering firm, Douglass and Arnott, replaced the second jetty. It opened on 8 June 1901, having cost £17,000. A bandstand was erected at the head. This was extended in 1905 to form a pavilion.

Sectioned in 1940 for defence purposes, the gap was bridged with planks to allow the lifeboat station to be reached (lifeboats have been stationed here since 1923).

The pier was damaged by storms in 1949, 1953, 1976 and 1978. In 1985, a new tide gauge was fitted by Shell Expro to assist with their offshore survey operations in the North Sea.

In February 1990, gales destroyed the amusement arcade and, on the 14th of November 1993, a 100 ton rig crashed into the pier, isolating the theatre and lifeboat station. Repairs were made in time for the 1994 season.

Major reconstruction work has been carried out since 1993 by contractors Dossor East (first winners of the National Piers Society's 'Peter Mason Award' for engineering excellence.

In 1997, the old lifeboat house and launching ramp were temporarily removed.

The pier pavilion was reopened by actor Stephen Fry on the 27th June 2004, but was damaged by a storm early in the following year.

The seaward pavilion continues to stage traditional summer season variety shows and Sunday concerts. Refreshments are available from both the entrance building and the pavilion foyer. Outdoor seating is available.

The impressive ambience of the pier is maintained by the complete absence of any amusement machines or other modern artefacts.

Admission to the public is free, but anglers are subject to various charges.
 

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