Worthing Pier
Encyclopedia
Worthing Pier is a pier
in Worthing
, West Sussex
, England
. Designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson
, it was opened on 12 April 1862 and remains open. The pier originally was a simple promenade deck 960 ft (291m) long and 15 ft (4.6m) wide. In 1888 the pier was upgraded with the width increased to 30 ft (9.2m) and the pier head increased to 105 ft (32m) for a 650-seat pavilion to be built. It is a Grade II listed building.
The first moving picture show in Worthing was seen on the pier on 31 August 1896 and is commemorated today by a blue plaque.
In 1897 a steam ship began operation between Worthing Pier and the Chain Pier
in Brighton
, twelve miles to the east.
In March 1913 the pier was damaged in a storm, with only the southern end remaining, completely cut off from land. A rebuilt pier was opened on 29 May 1914.
In September 1933 the pier and all but the northern pavilion were destroyed by fire. In 1935 the remodelled Streamline Moderne
pier was opened, and it is this that remains today.
Worthing Pier was sectioned in 1940 for fear of German invasion after the retreat at Dunkirk. http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/piers/worthing%20pier.htm A large hole was also blown in the pier to prevent it being used as a possible landing stage in the event of invasion. http://www.findonvillage.com/0875_the_nearby_worthing_pier_fire_of_1933.htm
The pier is owned by Worthing Borough Council (formerly the Worthing Corporation).
The Pavilion Theatre and Denton Cafe is situated at the northern, land end of the pier; at the middle is the 1935 amusement arcade, which from 1956 - 2006 carried a distinctive 'New Amusements' sign that was featured on the cover of the album To See the Lights (1996) by Britpop
band Gene
. Since 2006 the sign has changed from 'New Amusements' to 'Pier Amusements'.
The Southern Pavilion (the sea end) is currently home to a nightclub named The Pier, which opened on 20 December 2007. It has previously been used as a cafe, dance hall and to house a model railway layout.
Since 2008, Worthing Pier has been the home of the annual International Birdman competition, which moved to Worthing after it could no longer safely be held on the pier at Bognor Regis
, some 15 miles (24 km) to the west. However, Birdman competitions were held in both towns in 2010.
In November 2009 during strong winds, two Worthing kite surfers became the first people to kitesurf over the pier.
, at one point, throwing a ball through a glass window on the pier.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNN-jVqFTNE
Pier
A pier is a raised structure, including bridge and building supports and walkways, over water, typically supported by widely spread piles or pillars...
in Worthing
Worthing
Worthing is a large seaside town with borough status in West Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, forming part of the Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton conurbation. It is situated at the foot of the South Downs, west of Brighton, and east of the county town of Chichester...
, West Sussex
West Sussex
West Sussex is a county in the south of England, bordering onto East Sussex , Hampshire and Surrey. The county of Sussex has been divided into East and West since the 12th century, and obtained separate county councils in 1888, but it remained a single ceremonial county until 1974 and the coming...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson
Robert Rawlinson
Sir Robert Rawlinson KCB was an English engineer and sanitarian.-Early life:He was born at Bristol. His father was a mason and builder at Chorley, Lancashire, and he himself began his engineering education by working in a stonemason's yard.-Career:In 1831, he obtained employment under Jesse...
, it was opened on 12 April 1862 and remains open. The pier originally was a simple promenade deck 960 ft (291m) long and 15 ft (4.6m) wide. In 1888 the pier was upgraded with the width increased to 30 ft (9.2m) and the pier head increased to 105 ft (32m) for a 650-seat pavilion to be built. It is a Grade II listed building.
The first moving picture show in Worthing was seen on the pier on 31 August 1896 and is commemorated today by a blue plaque.
In 1897 a steam ship began operation between Worthing Pier and the Chain Pier
The Royal Suspension Chain Pier
The Royal Suspension Chain Pier was the first major pier built in Brighton, England. Generally known as the Chain Pier, it was designed by Captain Samuel Brown and built in 1823. The pier was primarily intended as a landing stage for packet boats to Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, but it also featured a...
in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
, twelve miles to the east.
In March 1913 the pier was damaged in a storm, with only the southern end remaining, completely cut off from land. A rebuilt pier was opened on 29 May 1914.
In September 1933 the pier and all but the northern pavilion were destroyed by fire. In 1935 the remodelled Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne, sometimes referred to by either name alone or as Art Moderne, was a late type of the Art Deco design style which emerged during the 1930s...
pier was opened, and it is this that remains today.
Worthing Pier was sectioned in 1940 for fear of German invasion after the retreat at Dunkirk. http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/piers/worthing%20pier.htm A large hole was also blown in the pier to prevent it being used as a possible landing stage in the event of invasion. http://www.findonvillage.com/0875_the_nearby_worthing_pier_fire_of_1933.htm
The pier is owned by Worthing Borough Council (formerly the Worthing Corporation).
The Pavilion Theatre and Denton Cafe is situated at the northern, land end of the pier; at the middle is the 1935 amusement arcade, which from 1956 - 2006 carried a distinctive 'New Amusements' sign that was featured on the cover of the album To See the Lights (1996) by Britpop
Britpop
Britpop is a subgenre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom. Britpop emerged from the British independent music scene of the early 1990s and was characterised by bands influenced by British guitar pop music of the 1960s and 1970s...
band Gene
Gene (band)
Gene were an English alternative rock quartet that rose to prominence in the mid 1990s. Formed in 1993, they were popularly labelled as a Britpop band and often drew comparisons to The Smiths because of their Morrissey-esque lead singer, Martin Rossiter. Gene's music was influenced by The Jam, The...
. Since 2006 the sign has changed from 'New Amusements' to 'Pier Amusements'.
The Southern Pavilion (the sea end) is currently home to a nightclub named The Pier, which opened on 20 December 2007. It has previously been used as a cafe, dance hall and to house a model railway layout.
Since 2008, Worthing Pier has been the home of the annual International Birdman competition, which moved to Worthing after it could no longer safely be held on the pier at Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis is a seaside resort town and civil parish in the Arun district of West Sussex, on the south coast of England. It is south-south-west of London, west of Brighton, and south-east of the city of Chichester. Other nearby towns include Littlehampton east-north-east and Selsey to the...
, some 15 miles (24 km) to the west. However, Birdman competitions were held in both towns in 2010.
In November 2009 during strong winds, two Worthing kite surfers became the first people to kitesurf over the pier.
Popular culture
The pier is prominent in Cut la Roc's video for his song "Fallen" which features Gary LightbodyGary Lightbody
Gary Lightbody is an Northern Irish musician and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Snow Patrol.- Early life :...
, at one point, throwing a ball through a glass window on the pier.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNN-jVqFTNE