Sandown Pier

Sandown Pier is a pleasure pier in Sandown, Isle of Wight, England.

The pier as viewed from the beach

Sandown Pier
Sandown Pier from Isle of Wight Coastal Path
CarriesPedestrians
SpansSandown
Characteristics
Total length870 feet (270 m)
History
Opening date29 May 1878 (1878-05-29)
Coordinates50°39′09.7″N 1°9′20″W

History

Plans for the pier were drawn up in the 1860s and bill passed in Parliament in 1864. However, construction did not start until 1876. The first section of the pier measured 360 feet (110 m) and it was opened on 29 May 1878 by Lady Oglander[1] widow of Sir Henry Oglander, 7th Baronet.

Work to extend the pier to its full intended length were started in 1894. The new works were badly damaged in a storm on 12 January 1895.

On 17 September 1895 the pier reopened following modifications which lengthened it by 545 feet (166 m) giving it a total length overall of 870 feet (270 m).[2] The breadth of the deck was 24 feet (7.3 m) and the head of the pier had an area 107 feet (33 m) by 93 feet (28 m). A landing stage was provided to allow passengers to arrive and depart by steamer. A pavilion to accommodate 400 people was constructed on the head of the pier with an elliptical dome. These works of improvement cost around £10,800 (equivalent to £1,327,200 in 2021).[3]

The pier was taken over the Sandown Urban District Council in 1918.

In 1934 the pavilion at the shore end of the pier was opened by John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe.[4] It had cost £26,000 (equivalent to £1,748,800 in 2021).[3]

In August 1989 a fire broke out in the amusement arcade[5] and spread into the theatre causing damage estimated at £2,000,000. However, restoration was undertaken and the pier was reopened for the 1990 summer season.[6]

Facilities

The pier has a range of indoor amenities at the landward end, and an outdoor funfair and landing stage at the seaward end. There are cafes, a children's play area, an amusement arcade, bowling and an indoor crazy golf course.

References
  1. "Sandown June 1. Opening of the Pier". Hampshire Advertiser. England. 1 June 1878. Retrieved 2 January 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  2. "Sandown Pier I.W." Portsmouth Evening News. England. 18 September 1895. Retrieved 2 January 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  4. "Sandown's New Pavilion". The Stage. England. 25 October 1934. Retrieved 2 January 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. "Fire damages Isle of Wight Pier Theatre". The Stage. England. 31 August 1989. Retrieved 2 January 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  6. "Fire damaged Isle of Wight Pier Theatre". The Stage. England. 28 June 1990. Retrieved 2 January 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.


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