History of
Walton-on-the Naze Pier
This, Walton's second pier, was owned by the Walton Pier & Hotel
Company Ltd. It was originally built to a length of 530 feet in
the 1870s. However, the lack of water at the pier-head meant that
passengers often had to transfer to small boats to come ashore.
The pier was, therefore, rebuilt. It re-opened in August 1898 to a
length of 2600 feet and included a single line electric tramway
which survived until 1935 when it was replaced by an unusual
battery-powered carriage. In 1937, the New Walton Pier Company
bought the pier and battery car.
On May 30th 1942, the pier
and car were damaged by fire but were rebuilt after the war. When
the pier re-opened for the 1948 summer season, a diesel-engine
locomotive was used for carrying passengers. The railway ceased
operation in the 1970s.
There were serious storms
on 11th January and 31st December 1978, the latter creating a 108
foot gap at the seaward end, isolating the lifeboat station.
Facilities today include a
large undercover amusement arcade at the shoreward end which has a
nine lane , ten-pin bowling centre. There are fairground rides and
a rail-less 'train' that takes passengers to the pier-head where
there is fishing. The PS Waverley is a regular caller.
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