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
The Commemorative Plaque for the Chain Pier
The Commemorative Plaque for the Chain Pier
The Commemorative Plaque for the Chain Pier
It reads:
THE CHAIN PIER
This tablet commemorates the pier, erected in 1823, and destroyed by storm in 1896
The Commemorative Plaque for the Chain Pier
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
The signal cannon from the Chain Pier
The signal cannon from the Chain Pier
The signal cannon from the Chain Pier
The signal cannon from the Chain Pier
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
East Cliff 2011
East Cliff 2011
East Cliff 2011
East Cliff 2011
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Chain Pier House on Marine Parade
Chain Pier House on Marine Parade
Chain Pier House on Marine Parade
Chain Pier House on Marine Parade
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
The Sundial from the Chain Pier
The Sundial from the Chain Pier
The Sundial from the Chain Pier
It is now rotting on a grave in a churchyard in Sussex. The base is missing but the pieces on the floor to the left are the top of the sundial
The Sundial from the Chain Pier
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Feb 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
Feb 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
Feb 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
Feb 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
April 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
April 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
April 2016 Low Tide – Chain Pier Remains
Sadly the remains at the shoreline weren't visible but the tide was so low you could see many of the remains of the third set of pillars.
