Beaumaris Pier facts for kids
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| Carries | Pedestrians |
|---|---|
| Spans | Menai Strait |
| Locale | Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, North Wales |
| Design | Frederick Foster |
| Owner | Anglesey County Council |
| Total length | 570 feet (170 m) |
| AADT | No |
| Opening date | 1846 |
Beaumaris Pier is a famous pier located in Beaumaris, a town on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. It stretches out into the Menai Strait, which is a narrow stretch of water separating Anglesey from mainland Wales. The pier is a popular spot for walking, fishing, and catching boats to nearby islands.
Contents
Building the Pier: How It Was Made
The first version of Beaumaris Pier was designed by Frederick Foster. It opened in 1846. This early pier had a strong base made of concrete and stone. Wooden poles held up iron beams, and the top deck was made of wood.
Modern Upgrades: Victorian Era Changes
In 1872, the pier was rebuilt to be even stronger and more modern. This was during the Victorian era, a time when many new building techniques were being used. The new pier used iron screw piles, which are like giant screws drilled into the seabed. These supported steel beams and a wooden deck.
Making It Longer: The 1895 Extension
By 1895, the pier was made even longer, reaching about 570 feet (174 meters). A special T-shaped platform was added at the end, along with a small building called a pavilion. A small railway line was also built on the pier to help move luggage for visitors.
Why Was the Pier Built? A Look at Its History
The main reason for rebuilding and extending the pier was to attract large passenger ships called pleasure steamers. These ships traveled from places like Liverpool, Llandudno, and the Isle of Man. They sailed along the Menai Strait.
Competing for Visitors: Beaumaris vs. Bangor
Having an easy-to-reach pier meant that Beaumaris could welcome more summer visitors. It helped the town compete with other popular spots like Garth Pier in Bangor, which also had a pier for these steamers.
Popular Ships and Trips: The Golden Age of Steamers
Some of the most common steamers to visit Beaumaris Pier were named Snowdon, La Marguerite, and St. Elvies. In the 1920s, local Sunday Schools would often rent the Snowdon for their yearly trips to Llandudno. There was also a ferry called Cynful that offered regular summer trips to Bangor and evening tours around Puffin Island.
Changes Over Time: Decline of Steamers
Before World War II, fewer people were taking pleasure steamers. This was because new motor buses offered a cheaper way to travel. After the war, the pier started to show signs of wear and tear. Because fewer steamers were visiting, the T-shaped platform at the end of the pier was removed.
Saving the Pier: A Community Effort
By the 1960s, the pier was not being looked after very well and became unsafe. It was almost torn down! But a local yachtswoman and RNLI secretary, Miss Mary Burton, made a large donation to save it.
The Beaumaris Town Council then took over the pier. They spent £15,000 to fix the remaining parts. In 1974, ownership passed to the Isle of Anglesey Borough Council. They continued to make repairs and set aside money to replace old wooden parts.
Big Plans for the Future: The 2010 Refurbishment
In August 2010, the Anglesey County Council approved big plans to make the pier even better. These plans included:
- Making the pier as wide as it used to be (doubling its width from the 1960s).
- Replacing all the wooden decking.
- Fixing up the small shop (kiosk) and shelters.
- Adding a special floating platform that could be moved to protect it from winter storms.
Beaumaris Pier Today: What You Can Do There
The newly improved Beaumaris Pier opened for visitors in 2011. It now has new seats, updated wooden planks, and shelters. There is also a modern landing stage that boats can use.
Activities at the Pier: Fishing and Boat Trips
Visitors can buy a license to go Sea Fishing from the pier. You can also catch commercial boat services from here. These boats can take you to Puffin Island to see wildlife, or on tours along the Menai Strait.
The Lifeboat Station: Helping Those in Need
To the left of the main pier deck, you'll find the Blue Peter II lifeboat station. This is where the brave volunteers of the RNLI keep their lifeboat, ready to help people in trouble at sea.
Completion of Works: A Fully Restored Pier
The pier was fully refurbished between 2011 and 2012. This included replacing all the timber decking and the steel beams that support the deck. The pier was also restored to its original full width. It officially reopened in May 2012. The design for this big project was done by Capita Symonds Ltd, and the building work was carried out by BAM Nuttall Ltd.
