An account of the rise and fall of the British seaside pier with an introduction by the social historian Asa Briggs. Contains chapters on the history of the piers from 1813, when the first pier was constructed, at Ryde, to 1957, when the only post-war pier, at Deal, was built. Other chapters deal with architecture and construction techniques. Appendix 1 contains a complete annotated list of all piers ever constructed in Britain: a total of 84. Appendix 2 is a gazetteer of all surviving piers in Britain: a total of 53. The book is illustrated with over 80 period photos and contemporary plans. It is published by Batsford in association with the Victorian Society. |
