Clacton may 09

Walk on Clacton pier in May 09


Clacton Pier stands out as a testament to how piers can evolve, yet retain their classic features, which makes Clacton Pier a popular and indeed, much loved and quite distinctive pier.

Originally, Clacton Pier was constructed as a rather modest wooden pier that first opened to the public in 1871. At this point Clacton, or to use its full and official title, Clacton-on-Sea, was a quiet and gentle little village, with few facilities. However, within easy reach of London, it soon became apparent that Clacton would be able to provide Londoners with a much-needed break from city life, due to the fact that it had excellent rail links with London. Check Train Times and Get Cheap Fares to Clacton

Yet when it was built, the pier was designed as a landing pier that could easily accommodate both goods and it was hoped, passengers. It was not designed to be a tourist attraction in its own right. But soon it became a popular spot for people who just wanted to stroll down the promenade and take advantage of the bracing sea air.

Clactons popularity grew, with people arriving by both rail and sea. It was situated close enough to London that people could come just for the day, which made it a real tourist hot spot for the Victorians, with their love of sea air and its reputedly therapeutic effects.

Gradually it became apparent that the facilities the pier provided could not meet the demand from the sheer numbers of people visiting, so the pier was extended in 1893, with work having started in 1890.



The new pier was to be a substantial construction, now reaching some 360 metres (1,180 feet) in length. Architecturally the facilities provided were daring and quite innovative, with a pitch pine pier head and a striking pavilion that was of a regency inspired style as well as a concert hall, a waiting room and refreshment facilities. Clacton was now ready to not just greet the public, but also to cater for them in style.

Through the early part of the 20th Century, more and more facilities were added, mainly under the auspices of Ernest Kingsman, the owner at the time, who was evidently an astute and quite forward thinking leisure entrepreneur. A Lifeboat House as well as the classically named Blue Lagoon Dance Hall were provided. But he also saw other opportunities and thus the Ocean Theatre was constructed, as well as the Crystal Casino and, shortly to follow, a swimming pool. A roller coaster and open air stage were also provided. Canvas and Prints from the 1920s to 1940s can be found on this Clacton Pier Prints and Posters page.

Sadly, the casino and theatre were casualties of war, when they were demolished during the Second World War, as parts of the pier had been sectioned off to prevent enemy invasion.

Post war, the pier continued to enjoy a special place in the hearts of visitors. It then experienced significant damage as a result of a fire in 1973, which damaged the roller coaster. Then, storm damage in 1978 caused significant damage once more.

The pier effectively languished for some years, a further casualty of foreign holidays becoming ever more popular and changing appetites of the British public.

Then in 1994, a local businessman and his family bought it and embarked on an ambitious and it has to be said, successful modernisation project to attract 21st Century day trippers. Hotels in Clacton-on-Sea from Expedia

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• walk
• clacton
• pier
• beach
• england
• sea
• side
• essex
• anglia
• coast
• line
• holiday
• vacation
• travel
• and
• adventure
• people
• fun
• rides
• games
• kids
• family
• children
• sun
• sand
• spades
• money
• amusements
• arcades
• cafe
• restaurants
• food
• ice
• cream
• donuts
• sweats
• rock
• machines
• road
• fish
• chips
• dodgems
• waltzer
• entertainment
• local
• wristbands
• tokens
• tickets
• free
• bank
• fireworks
• display
• place
• buckets
• Pavilion
• Marine
• West
• avenue
• CO15
• tendring
• tourists
• pleasure
• video
• summer
• time
• busy
• shops

[fishermead]

clacton is a very nice clean and tidy town that its residents should be proud off, if you think different thenyou should move to hull....

[ClactonPier]

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooocccc­cccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkiiiiiiii­iiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. had a great time there loved it.

[PnutButter1986]

@fishermead I've been mugged in Clacton, not to mention threatened with knives, started on for no reason in clubs etc. The town is filled with mostly wannabe and some real gangsters. There are countless heroin addicts, drunks etc. It should be called Little London. Shithole

[jewelpants]

just reminded me of how shit my town is

thanks