Photograph Collections:
Chain Pier Remains
I have a massive fascination for the Chain Pier. No idea why, just one of those things I guess. I would love someone to rebuild it one day.
For years I heard that at very low tide its remains could still be seen, but I never quite got around to go and look for them.
In September 2009 I decided to go on a hunt for them after studying many photos to make sure I’d got the right location. I was so excited when I found them (Do any readers relate to this?!).
A bit of Chain Pier history ...
The Chain Pier was built in 1823 by Captain Samuel Brown. Originally built as a landing stage for package boats to Dieppe, it was a popular promenade with a camera obscura. Also still existing somewhere is the sundial seen in some of the pictures of the Chain Pier.
The Chain Pier was due to be pulled down after the building of the Palace Pier, however there was a huge storm in December 1896 which completely destroyed the structure. The toll booths from the Chain Pier were saved and placed on the new Palace Pier as was the cannon from the Chain Pier.
As I couldn’t possibly have been there to take this photograph myself. Here is a photo of what the Chain Pier looked like in the late 1800s (with thanks to Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove).
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
One of the two remaining toll booths from the Chain Pier.
One of the two remaining toll booths from the Chain Pier.
One of the two remaining toll booths from the Chain Pier.
Now in place on the Palace Pier.
One of the two remaining toll booths from the Chain Pier.
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Chain Pier Remains September 2009
Chain Pier Remains September 2009
Chain Pier Remains September 2009
These remains are not often visible, as I have been back since and they have been covered over. So here they are , the remains of the Chain Pier. 1823-1896. R.I.P!
Photographed in September 2009. Just a mere 113 years later!
Chain Pier Remains September 2009
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Three Piers September 2009
Three Piers September 2009
Three Piers September 2009
The Palace Pier was built to replace the Chain Pier and the building of it started in 1891, five years before the Chain Pier finally collapsed. A lot of people think it was built in the same location as the Chain Pier when infact the Palace Pier was built slightly to the west of the Chain Pier about two beaches apart.
The picture here shows the remains of the Chain pier and the surviving Palace pier and remains of the West Pier in the background.
Three Piers September 2009
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Remains of the second set of Chain Pier pylons
Remains of the second set of Chain Pier pylons
Remains of the second set of Chain Pier pylons
Beyond the wall is New Steine.
Remains of the second set of Chain Pier pylons
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Second set of Chain Pier pillars
Second set of Chain Pier pillars
Second set of Chain Pier pillars
Second set of Chain Pier pillars
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
More photos of the second set of pillars from the Chain Pier
More photos of the second set of pillars from the Chain Pier
More photos of the second set of pillars from the Chain Pier
More photos of the second set of pillars from the Chain Pier
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Stumps from the second set of pillars.
Stumps from the second set of pillars.
Stumps from the second set of pillars.
Stumps from the second set of pillars.
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Third set of Chain Pier pylons
Third set of Chain Pier pylons
Third set of Chain Pier pylons
In the water can be seen the tops of the remains of the third set of pylons of the Chain Pier. The remains under water are visible on google earth if you have a look.
Third set of Chain Pier pylons
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Third set of Chain Pier pillars
Third set of Chain Pier pillars
Third set of Chain Pier pillars
The fourth set were just visible also.
