Saltburn Pier

A Brief History:

1869 - Saltburn’s Victorian pier measuring over 400m was opened and after taking nearly 2 years to complete.

Within 10 years of opening, the pier had suffered damage during two horrific gales. The damage was repaired - but alterations reduced the length 379m.

1880 - the Pier and hoist were sold at auction at the Alexandra Hotel for £800.

1887 - gas lighting adorning the length of the pier was replaced by electric lighting.

1900 - more storm damage.

1924 - a German ship 'Ovenbeg' collided with the pier causing damage to the decking.

1925 - a theatre was built toward the shore end.

1930 - Ovenbeg's damage was finally repaired.

1938 - the local council bought the pier.

1940 - the pier was sectioned for fear of invasion during World War II.

1947 - restoration and repair work commenced.

1952 - the pier was re-opened to the public.

1953 - more severe gales. During the next 5 years around £29,000 was spent on repairs.

1961 - another twenty piles were badly distorted in storms.

1971-74 more piles were lost at the seaward end leaving the pier in a dangerous state.

1974 - the pier-head was washed away.

1975 - the local council applied to have the pier demolished, however a public enquiry determined that the pier should be restored.

1978 - the pier, now reduced to 206m, was restored and reopened to the public after a closure of 5 years.

1990s - the entrance-building roof was renewed. National Lottery Grant funded a major restoration programme.

2001 - Official reopening to the public.

More recently - Saltburn Pier has been used to scene period dramas including ITV's 'The Royal'

Click here for an interesting article on Saltburn's Victorian Pier....back to the top

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