West End Pier, Morecambe
This was one of two piers in Morecambe, Lancashire, the other being Central Pier, Morecambe.
It was officially opened on 3 April 1896, and was built to an eventual length of 1,800 feet (550 m). By October 1927 storms had reduced the length of the pier to about 900 feet. A storm in November 1977 destroyed a third of the pier, and it was demolished in 1978. See Wikipedia entry.
The pier suffered storm damage in 1977 and with repair costs of £500,000, the pier was instead demolished the following year. 1895 'THE MORECAMBE WEST END PIER. The contract for the erection of the new West End Pier and Landing Stages has been entrusted to the Widnes Foundry Company, who are understood to be acting in conjunction with Messrs. Mayoh Brothers, engineers, Manchester. Tenders were sent in by thirteen eminent firms, and the competition being keen, the result was very satisfactory to the promoters. The successful competitors are said to have previously been engaged on similar undertakings at Penarth, Brighton, and other watering-places, and also carried out the extensive repairs to the Blackpool North Pier, consequent on the wreck of the Sirene. They undertake to commnence active operations at Morecambe within three weeks from the date of the contract, and the first section up to the pavilion will accordingly be rapidly proceeded with during the coming summer.'[1]
1896 'The designs are by Messrs. Mangnall and Littlewoods, architects, Manchester, the contract has been placed with the Widnes Iron Foundry, and the work has been executed by Messrs. Mayoh and Haley, of Manchester, who have erected many piers elsewhere.'[2]