Southend Pier

Southend Pier stretches 2.14 kilometres into the Thames Estuary from Southend-on-Sea in Essex. Built to let boats dock at all tides, it replaced an earlier timber jetty and became the world’s longest pleasure pier. The first wooden section opened in 1830 after royal approval in 1829, led by local dignitary Sir William Heygate. By 1848 it reached 2,100 metres and was Europe’s longest pier at the time. The iron pier, designed by James Brunlees, opened in 1889 and introduced Britain’s first pier railway the following year. The pier played key roles in both world wars. During the First World War prison ships held German soldiers and civilians near the pierhead. In the Second World War the Royal Navy renamed it HMS Leigh and used it as a convoy control centre. After the war six million visitors came in 1949, and Princess Anne reopened the restored railway in 1986. Fires in 1959, 1976, 1995 and 2005 caused damage that led to major repairs and reconstruction. Visitors walk the full length to the pierhead where a bronze centenary plaque marks the spot. The electric railway runs the entire route, offering views of the estuary and passing ships. Shops, a bandstand and the restored upper deck provide places to stop. The Grade II listed structure stands as a landmark of Southend’s seaside past and present.