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Weston-super-Mare’s Birnbeck Pier through the decades – in pictures
Birnbeck Pier through the decades. - Credit: Sub
Today marks the 150th anniversary of Weston-super-Mare’s Birnbeck Pier and we have collected pictures from the archives to remember its place in the town’s history.
A sketch of Birnbeck Island before the pier was built in around 1826. The gull yeller's cottage can be seen. (Weston Museum Collection) - Credit: 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. - Credit: 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. - Credit: Sub
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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). - Credit: Sub
MORE: Birnbeck Pier’s role in the Bouncing Bomb and Dam Busters raid
1890s - Birnbeck from Birkett Road. - Credit: Archant
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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. - Credit: SUb
Before the 1897 fire. - Credit: Sub
Boxing Day 1897 fire - possibly the only picture depiciting that event. (Weston Museum Collection) - Credit: Weston Museum Collection
Birnbeck in the 1890s. - Credit: Sub
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. - Credit: Sub
Birnbeck Pier's south jetty in 1909. - Credit: Archant
RNLB Colonel Stock launches down the slipway c.1910. The Grand Pier's extension can be seen in the distance (Weston Museum collection) - Credit: Weston Museum Collection
1940s Aerofilm showing flight marker for aircraft dropping experimental bouncing bombs World War Two. - Credit: SUb
Birnbeck Pier in the 1940s or 1950s. - Credit: SUb
The Beatles at Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare in 1963. - Credit: SUb
View of the Old Pier at Birnbeck in the 1960s. - Credit: Archant
Birnbeck Pier when it was still in use in the late 1970s. Picture submitted by Geoff Lees. - Credit: Geoff Lees
Birnbeck Pier in 2017. - Credit: Archant
