no.6290

Central Pier

1920s

View from a first floor of the Central Pier and the Clock Tower near Queen Street at low tide. Pier advertises “Dancing Daily”, “Beck’s Orchestra Concerts 3 & 7.30” and “Skating”. Two old cars in front of the underground toilets. Lots of people, mostly sitting. Long wooden jetty going out towards the low tide mark. Some boats drawn up on the sand. Pier opened in 1869 and included a large pier-head, ideal for the steamers that called until 1914. Fire in 1933, pavilion 1936 include open-air roller skating. Closed 1986, repair started 1991, then a fire destroyed ballroom. Demolished 1992. The foundation stone for the clock tower was laid 24th June 1905. Rhodes of Lancaster made the clock which featured four dials, struck the hours and was illuminated at night.