Originally called the South Pier, Central Pier opened on 30th May 1868. The first pile was screwed in July 1867.  Built from wrought iron and timber, it had a length of 1518 feet, the main pier being 1118 feet and the jetty 400 feet. Built by the firm of Robert Laidlaw and designed by J.J. Mawson.

A pavilion was built at the entrance to the pier where shows were the main feature for many years.

At the end of the jetty was a beacon as required by Trinity House. In 1964 the pier’s steamer jetty was washed away, and reduced the length by 100 feet, with the remainder of the jetty being demolished in 1975.

An interesting silver hallmarked brooch showing Central Pier (then called South Pier). Dated 1891

Central Pier – 1880’s

Early view of Central Pier

Central Pier from the sands -1891

Advert for Moore’s Corsets along the side

Entrance to Central Pier

Entrance to Central Pier – 1895

Dancing on Central Pier

Open Air Rolling Skating on the pier

Roller Skating on the pier was a new craze. On the promenade in the background is ‘Tussauds Exhibition’

Mr Harry Jacobs’ Orchestra – 1912 Season

Fred Allandale’s Premier Troupe of Pierrots – 1912

Fred Allandale presents the Premier Pierrots of 1917

Julia Wylie – Pierrots – 1922

Tram number ’43’ passing Central pier – 1906

Wylie Tate Super Pierrots – 1925

New view of the pier entrance

The Electric Grotto Railway was built on Central Pier by Messrs. Meinhardt in 1904

It was removed following objections from the Corporation in 1907

Electric Grotto Railway

Electric Grotto Railway

Electric Grotto Railway

Electric Grotto Railway

A big attraction in the 1930s was the ‘Stratosphere Girl’, Camilla Mayer from Germany, who performed stunts from a tiny platform on top of a 137-ft pole

Performed on Central Pier in October 1938