Hastings in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Welcome to Hastings Pier!
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 28, 2025
1. Welcome to Hastings Pier! Marker
The Beginning
Hastings Pier was designed by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and opened in 1872.
Hastings Pier has inspired, entertained and thrilled generations of local people and holliday makers alike, many travelling from miles around to promenade above the waves and enjoy tremendous ocean views.
The Pier evolved throughout the 20th century from the heydays of the 20s and 30s to the tea dances and fashion shows of the 40s and 50s, through to the rock and roll era of the 60s and 70.
The Downward Years
Sadly, the Pier fell into great disrepair and was closed in 2008. The local community passionately campaigned for the Grade II Listed pier to be saved though restoration plans were put on hold who a devastating fire virtually consumed the Pier in October 2010. The Pier was one major storm away from being destroyed forever...
The Battle for Hastings Pier
Thankfully, the local community refused to give up. Hastings Pier Charity was set up in 2011 to drive the Pier's restoration and manage its future.
A development plan was put forward to the Heritage Lottery Fund, who awarded a project grant of
this page online
The Pier is Restored
When construction began, 90% of the Pier's superstructure was in ruins the western pavilion shelter building, badly damaged the fire and in need of significant restoration work, was the only original building that could possibly be saved.
But making the Pier structurally sound was by far the biggest challenge and most expensive part of the project. The restoration required:
• 3.000 tonnes of steel to replace 70% of the existing steelwork. That's the equivalent of 400 double-decker buses!
• 50 miles of durable West African, marine-grade Ekki wood planking from renewable sources (enough to stretch to Boulogne in France from here).
• 510,000 screws, all of which were fixed by hand.
The Pier's rebuild has taken over 12000 hours to complete. We are indebted to contractors and construction specialists, who have worked incredibly hard on this project in all weathers lashing rain, high winds, very cold winters and the heat of the Hastings summer sun.
Erected by East Sussex County Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 50° 51.198′ N, 0° 34.317′ E. Marker is in Hastings, England, in East Sussex. It is on White Rock. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 White Rock, Hastings, England TN34 1JU, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Toll Booths (within shouting distance of this marker); South African War Memorial (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Pier at War (about 150 meters away); Oriental Pavilion - Opening Day (about 210 meters away); Bands in the Ballroom (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Pier Performers (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Speedboats and Steamers (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Fire! (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hastings.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 23 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 14, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
