“A sublime quality is induced by the crashing waves in the semi-dark spaces under the Pier created by the large number of columns and trusses.” Giffords Heritage Appraisal, November 2007
Britain’s foremost pier designer, Eugenius Birch (1818-84), was behind the development of Hastings Pier which opened on 5th August 1872, Britain’s first ever bank holiday. Only seven of Birch’s 14 piers survive as icons of the great British seaside holiday. The original structure, 910ft long, was built from cast-iron columns on Birch’s patented screw piles, supporting a lattice girder framework topped with wooden decking. It was modelled on the now-ruined Brighton West Pier, with an oriental style pavilion and landing stage at the seaward end. Like all Birch’s seaside structures, it was both robust and whimsically elegant. It is a lasting testament to the Victorian design genius, pushing the solid experience and skills of industrial engineering out to sea to create a fresh and light-hearted seaside experience.
The pier was originally constructed to provide healthy and entertaining activity for the Victorian holidaymaker. To the original novelty of a healthy promenade out above the sea was added entertainments and, from the lower landing stages, paddle-steamer excursions to neighbouring resorts and even Boulogne. In the 20th century the range and type of activity on the pier changed continually as economic conditions and fashions altered. Apart from drama, musicals, music-hall variety and orchestras, there were slot machines, rifle ranges, bowling alleys, dancing, stunt diving, speedboat trips, tea-shops, gift shops, bingo halls, nightclubs, pubs, funfair rides, exhibitions, outdoor cinema and rock concerts (including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and The Who).
Although the whole sub-and super-structure is listed Grade II and the original cast iron piers are extant, many additions have been made to the substructure. The buildings on top have undergone many alterations in design and changes in use and some are of more architectural merit than others. So the ‘heritage’ that our project focuses upon is not just the physical structure but the ‘intangible’ cultural memory of the seaside experience – being able to step out and above the waves, take in the air and views, promenade to the end of the pier, have a cup of tea, go to the amusements, fish over the railings, shop, have a drink or a meal, while all the while the water splashes beneath the decking – a monument to British engineering and a singular seaside pleasure.
Click here to find out the full history of Hastings Pier by Steve Peak.
The story so far
“A sublime quality is induced by the crashing waves in the semi-dark spaces under the Pier created by the large number of columns and trusses.”
Giffords Heritage Appraisal, November 2007
Britain’s foremost pier designer, Eugenius Birch (1818-84), was behind the development of Hastings Pier which opened on 5th August 1872, Britain’s first ever bank holiday. Only seven of Birch’s 14 piers survive as icons of the great British seaside holiday. The original structure, 910ft long, was built from cast-iron columns on Birch’s patented screw piles, supporting a lattice girder framework topped with wooden decking. It was modelled on the now-ruined Brighton West Pier, with an oriental style pavilion and landing stage at the seaward end. Like all Birch’s seaside structures, it was both robust and whimsically elegant. It is a lasting testament to the Victorian design genius, pushing the solid experience and skills of industrial engineering out to sea to create a fresh and light-hearted seaside experience.
The pier was originally constructed to provide healthy and entertaining activity for the Victorian holidaymaker. To the original novelty of a healthy promenade out above the sea was added entertainments and, from the lower landing stages, paddle-steamer excursions to neighbouring resorts and even Boulogne. In the 20th century the range and type of activity on the pier changed continually as economic conditions and fashions altered. Apart from drama, musicals, music-hall variety and orchestras, there were slot machines, rifle ranges, bowling alleys, dancing, stunt diving, speedboat trips, tea-shops, gift shops, bingo halls, nightclubs, pubs, funfair rides, exhibitions, outdoor cinema and rock concerts (including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and The Who).
Although the whole sub-and super-structure is listed Grade II and the original cast iron piers are extant, many additions have been made to the substructure. The buildings on top have undergone many alterations in design and changes in use and some are of more architectural merit than others. So the ‘heritage’ that our project focuses upon is not just the physical structure but the ‘intangible’ cultural memory of the seaside experience – being able to step out and above the waves, take in the air and views, promenade to the end of the pier, have a cup of tea, go to the amusements, fish over the railings, shop, have a drink or a meal, while all the while the water splashes beneath the decking – a monument to British engineering and a singular seaside pleasure.
Click here to find out the full history of Hastings Pier by Steve Peak.
Read more about Eugenius Birch here.