Four
piers grace the Fylde coast: three in Blackpool; and just one that is
open to the public in St Annes. The piers were introduced in the
Victorian age, and are a testament to both the industrial heritage of
Britain and the emerging pursuit of leisure and tourism during this
period. This pictorial blog discusses the piers in the sequence they
appeared.
All
of the pictures are recent. It is possible only to capture images of
the present, whilst attempting to portray the personality and history
of the structures.
There
are three piers in Blackpool. Looking through the North Pier, using a
telephoto lens, it is possible to see the central and south piers in
the background, as well as the Big One on the Pleasure Beach.
Beach
Structures: a testament to the industrial heritage of Britain …
viewed from under the North Pier.
Eventually
new attractions appeared. Fairground rides, amusement arcades and
theatres were added, and the pier has continued to provide relaxation
and enjoyment in spite of notable hazards. Ships have collided and
caused damage – including Nelson's former flagship Foudroyant,
moored off the pier for an exhibition in 1867, and others in 1892 and
1897. Buildings and theatres have been damaged or destroyed by fire,
then rebuilt or replaced. In December 1997 a storm severed the jetty
from the main structure, and the pier now stands without a jetty at
the total length of 1318 feet (approximately 402 metres)
Some
of the original Victorian architecture can be seen on the pier, along
with live entertainment in the Merrie England Bar, the Carousel Bar,
and amusements.
Some
of the Victorian architecture can be seen on the pier.
The Central Pier
Blackpool's
second Pier was originally known as the South Pier until a third pier
was added. What is now known as the Central Pier
was
designed for fun from the start. Opened in 1868, fun was provided in
the form of dancing, then ice skating was offered from the early
1900s.
The
structure was originally 1518 feet (approximately 460 metres) in
length and included a jetty. The pier is 340 metres and the jetty was
120 metres. The jetty was used for steamboat excursions, but was
removed in 1975 due to lack of use.
Fire
seems an inevitable part of a pier's history. The White Pavilion was
replaced by the Golden Goose complex in 1967, and this was damaged by
fire in 1973, to be replaced by an arcade and nightclub which remain
to this day.
A
ferris wheel dominates the Central Pier. This was added in 1990 and
stands 108 feet (32 metres) tall. Adding this feature was no mean
feat, as the structure needed strengthening at an estimated cost of
£750,000.
a
ferris wheel dominates the Central Pier. Here it is shown in context
with a section of the Golden Mile.
The ferris wheel is clearly visible on Blackpool's skyline and, along with fairground rides and a family bar, tells a visitor 'here is fun'.
The
features of the Central Pier shout 'Here is fun'.
St Annes Pier
In
viewing the images in this blog, you will see pictures of two piers
in St Annes. Although there are two such structures, only one is open
to the public. In fact, the separate structure known as the 'old
pier' is actually the remains of a fire-damaged section of the
original pier.
Here
is the story.
The
Old from the New. Although there are two piers, only one is open to
the public
St
Annes Pier was opened in 1885 as a relatively modest affair, with
just a shelter at the seaward end to protect passengers of pleasure
cruisers, at a cost of £18,000. The pier was progressively
developed: with a pavilion and kiosks added in 1904, along with and a
mock Tudor frontage then a Floral Hall, culminating in completion in
1910. The total length of the pier was 914 feet (277 metres).
The mock Tudor frontage
Alas
the common theme continues. There were two fires – one in 1974 then
another in 1982. The Floral Hall was burnt down and the seaward end
of the pier was so badly damaged that it had to be destroyed,
reducing the pier to a length of 600 feet (182 metres). However, part
of the old pier still stands, isolated from the rest of the
structure.
part
of the Old Pier still stands
St
Annes Pier is famous for its Victorian wrought iron work, and its
appearance is distinctly reminiscent of this period. Further
restoration was undertaken in the 1990s and currently the pier
features shops, cafés, amusements and a ten-pin bowling alley.
St
Annes Pier is famous for its wrought iron work
Blackpool South Pier
This
is the newest of the Blackpool piers; it was opened on Good Friday
1893 and was originally named the Victoria Pier because the Central
Pier was then known as the South Pier. The pier opened to the strains
of two brass bands, a choir and an orchestra.
Although the pier is the shortest, at 429 feet (approx. 131 metres), it was wide enough to accommodate a bandstand, shops, and ice cream stall and a photo booth. A larger and more modern pavilion was built in 1937, but this was ultimately damaged then destroyed after fires in 1958 and 1964. A theatre was built to replace the Grand Pavilion, and today the pier offers fun and adventure with children’s rides and a white-knuckle experience for the more adventurous, in the forms of the Skyscreamer (reverse bungee) and the Skycoaster.
The
South Pier offers fun.
and
for the more adventurous, white-knuckle rides
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