The Brighton Palace Pier, commonly known as Brighton Pier or the Palace Pier, is a Grade II* listed pleasure pier in Brighton, England, situated opposite the Old Steine (the A23 to London) where it meets Marine Parade and Grand Junction Road. Established in 1899, it was the third pier to grace Brighton after the Royal Suspension Chain Pier and the West Pier, but is now the only one still in operation. With a length of 1,722 feet (525 m) and planking amounting to 85 miles (137 km), repainting it every year takes three months due to its length. It is illuminated by 67,000 bulbs at night. Over the years, the pier has enchanted millions and come to symbolize the English coast. Stepping onto its vintage attractions and basking in the sea breeze as the waves lap gently against the pier offers a delightful mixture of nostalgia and excitement.
The Pier: A Shift in Entertainment
Aside from closures due to war, the pier provided regular entertainment up until the 1970s. Designed and constructed by R. St George Moore, it was inspired by European kursaal resorts. The pier was initially built to replace the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, which collapsed during its construction in 1896. Known for hosting visits from royalty, such as King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, it continues to stand as a testament to the era of Victorian ambition and entertainment.
The pier suffered during World War II, with part of the decking removed for security reasons. However, post-war, it still served as a popular tourist destination. Despite the demolition of its theatre in 1986, the pier was transformed into an amusement park, complete with thrill rides and roller coasters. Today, it continues to stand tall and proud, offering a unique blend of history and fun for all ages.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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