A sketch of Birnbeck Island before the pier was built in around 1826. The gull yeller's cottage can be seen. (Weston Museum Collection) (Image: Archant)
Birnbeck was opened to the public on June 8, 1867, where people enjoyed a parade and celebrated with flags and flowers.
Additions came in the form of the north jetty in 1872, a lifeboat station in 1882 and pavilion in 1884.
A Victorian print of Birnbeck Pier looking towards Prince Consort Gardens. (Image: Archant)
It was hit by a fire on Boxing Day in 1898 and the jetty and pavilion were replaced.
Throughout its Victorian and Edwardian hey-day it was the equivalent of a modern theme park, with rides, slides and a roller-skating rink.
1871, before either of the boating jetties were built. (Image: USb)
It was used as a naval base in World War Two where the bouncing bomb was tested.
The final steamer ship, the MV Balmoral, visited the pier in 1979.
The 1881 Lifeboat Station with a launch taking place the lifeboat was oared). (Image: Sub)
MORE: Birnbeck Pier’s role in the Bouncing Bomb and Dam Busters raid
1890s - Birnbeck from Birkett Road. (Image: Archant)
In 2013, the last remaining user of the pier, the RNLI, was forced to leave as the walkway had become too dangerous.
Birnbeck in the 1890s from the Toll Road. (Image: SUb)
Before the 1897 fire. (Image: Sub)
Boxing Day 1897 fire - possibly the only picture depiciting that event. (Weston Museum Collection) (Image: Weston Museum Collection)
Birnbeck in the 1890s. (Image: Archant)
An Edwardian shot. The south jetty was built to accommodate ships at all stages of the tide but wasn't successful and was demolished during World War One. (Image: |SUb)
Birnbeck Pier's south jetty in 1909. (Image: Archant)
RNLB Colonel Stock launches down the slipway c.1910. The Grand Pier's extension can be seen in the distance (Weston Museum collection) (Image: Weston Museum Collection)
1940s Aerofilm showing flight marker for aircraft dropping experimental bouncing bombs World War Two. (Image: SUb)
Birnbeck Pier in the 1940s or 1950s. (Image: Sub)
The Beatles at Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare in 1963. (Image: USb)
View of the Old Pier at Birnbeck in the 1960s. (Image: Archant)
Birnbeck Pier when it was still in use in the late 1970s. Picture submitted by Geoff Lees. (Image: Sub)
Birnbeck Pier in 2017. (Image: Archant)
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