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Helter Skelter, Clacton-on-Sea Pier
The Pier was officially opened on 27th July 1871 when the SS 'Albert Edward' called, bringing with it a party of directors from Woolwich Steam Packet Company and around 200 guests. When it opened it was just 160 yards in length and 4 yards wide.
The first major alterations to the Pier took place In1893, it was lengthened to 1,180 feet and a theatre and the Pier Pavilion (later called the Jolly Roger), was built by architects Kinipple & Jaffrey at the sea end.
During the First World War, Ernest Kingsman purchased the Pier after it had gone into administration and set about turning the Pier into a leisure and entertainment centre.
By the outbreak of the Second World War he had invested around a quarter of a million pounds into The Pier's redevelopment. Building the Ocean Theatre, the Children's Theatre, the Blue Lagoon Dance Hall. the Crystal Casino an open air swimming pool, open air stage for the Ramblas Concert Party and the Steel Stella roller coaster which was later destroyed by a fire in 1973. During the war the pier was damaged by enemy action and was also breached to prevent Its use by an Invasion force.
The Pier helped to establish Clacton as one of the leading seaside resorts in the country. However 1978 saw the closure of the Ocean Theatre and the Pier went into a steady decline. Towards the end of 1994 a local business family.
The Harrisons, bought the Pier, and like Ernest Kingsman before them, embarked on a refurbishment programme.
Still retaining some of its old world charm with a modern twist, the huge amusement halls, assortment of fairground rides, food and game concessions, a bar and restaurant ensure that there is a little something for everyone who visits.
Helter Skelter, Clacton-on-Sea Pier
The Pier was officially opened on 27th July 1871 when the SS 'Albert Edward' called, bringing with it a party of directors from Woolwich Steam Packet Company and around 200 guests. When it opened it was just 160 yards in length and 4 yards wide.
The first major alterations to the Pier took place In1893, it was lengthened to 1,180 feet and a theatre and the Pier Pavilion (later called the Jolly Roger), was built by architects Kinipple & Jaffrey at the sea end.
During the First World War, Ernest Kingsman purchased the Pier after it had gone into administration and set about turning the Pier into a leisure and entertainment centre.
By the outbreak of the Second World War he had invested around a quarter of a million pounds into The Pier's redevelopment. Building the Ocean Theatre, the Children's Theatre, the Blue Lagoon Dance Hall. the Crystal Casino an open air swimming pool, open air stage for the Ramblas Concert Party and the Steel Stella roller coaster which was later destroyed by a fire in 1973. During the war the pier was damaged by enemy action and was also breached to prevent Its use by an Invasion force.
The Pier helped to establish Clacton as one of the leading seaside resorts in the country. However 1978 saw the closure of the Ocean Theatre and the Pier went into a steady decline. Towards the end of 1994 a local business family.
The Harrisons, bought the Pier, and like Ernest Kingsman before them, embarked on a refurbishment programme.
Still retaining some of its old world charm with a modern twist, the huge amusement halls, assortment of fairground rides, food and game concessions, a bar and restaurant ensure that there is a little something for everyone who visits.