Cromer Pier facts for kids
(photograph January 2012)
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| Official name | Cromer Pier |
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| Type | Pleasure Pier |
| Design | Douglass and Arnott |
| Construction | Alfred Thorne |
| Owner | North Norfolk District Council |
| Total length | 495 feet (151 m) |
| Opening date | 8 June 1901 |
Cromer Pier is a famous seaside pier located in Cromer, a town on the north coast of Norfolk, England. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Norwich. This pier is a special building, listed as Grade II, which means it's important and protected. It's home to the Cromer Lifeboat Station, where brave rescue teams are based, and the Pavilion Theatre, a popular place for shows.
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History of Cromer Pier
Cromer has had a pier-like structure for a very long time. Records show there was a simple wooden jetty here as far back as 1391. A jetty is like a small pier, often used for boats to dock.
Early Jetties and Royal Support
In 1582, Queen Elizabeth I wrote a letter to the people of Cromer. She gave them permission to sell crops like wheat and barley. The money they earned was meant to help maintain the pier and the town.
In 1822, a new jetty was built. It was 64 meters (210 feet) long and made of cast iron. Sadly, this structure only lasted 24 years. A big storm completely destroyed it.
The Wooden Pier Era
After the iron jetty was lost, a new wooden one was built. This one was a bit longer, at 73 meters (240 feet). It quickly became a popular spot for people to take walks, a fancy word for "promenading."
There were even strict rules for visitors! A keeper made sure everyone behaved. For example, smoking was not allowed, and ladies had to leave the jetty by 9 PM. This wooden jetty survived until 1897. It was badly damaged when a coal boat crashed into it and had to be taken apart. The timber was sold for £40.
Building the Modern Pier
For a short time, Cromer didn't have a pier. But the "Pier Commissioners," a group in charge of the pier, wanted to build a new, more modern structure.
In 1902, the pier we see today was finished and opened to the public. It was designed by Douglass and Arnott and built by Alfred Thorne. This new pier was 137 meters (450 feet) long and cost £17,000 to build.
When it first opened, the pier had glass-screened shelters and a bandstand at the end. In 1905, the shelters were roofed over to create a pavilion. The bandstand was later replaced with a stage. From 1907, this space was even used for roller-skating, which was a very popular activity back then!
Who Owns and Cares for the Pier?
Today, the pier is owned and looked after by the North Norfolk District Council. They took over this job in 1974. Since then, they've done many big repairs and updates to keep the pier in good shape. The most recent major work was finished in 2013.
In March 2015, the pier was voted Pier of the Year 2015 by the National Piers Society. The council was very proud of this award!
Pier Repairs and Storm Damage
Cromer Pier needs regular care to stay strong against the sea.
Recent Repair Work
The North Norfolk District Council started a big repair project in June 2012. This work cost £1.2 million and was completed in October 2013. The repairs included replacing important metal parts that support the pier, like the main trusses and cross braces.
Surviving the 2013 Storm Surge
Just after these repairs were finished, a huge storm surge hit the North Sea on December 5, 2013. This was a very powerful storm. Luckily, the recent repair work helped the main structure of the pier withstand the storm's force.
However, some parts of the pier were still damaged. The walkway boards were lifted, and the souvenir shop, box office, and the floor of the Pavilion Theatre were affected. For safety, the pier was closed to the public for a short time. Repairs were quickly made so the theatre could open again for its Christmas shows on December 12, 2013. The public could also access the pier again, and the RNLI lifeboat crew could safely reach their station.
At first, experts thought the damage would cost tens of thousands of pounds to fix. But within nine days, the estimated cost grew to hundreds of thousands! A temporary box office was set up while the main one and the souvenir shop were fixed. Work continued into 2014, with more improvements planned.
Cromer Pier in the Media
Cromer Pier is so iconic that it has appeared in many TV shows and films!
- It was used as a filming location for the 1979 ITV TV series, Danger UXB.
- It also appeared in the 1993 ITV series September Song.
- The pier's theatre was featured in the 1972 horror thriller film The Flesh and Blood Show.
- The Living TV show Most Haunted visited the pier in April 2009 to investigate any spooky activity.
- The 2011 film In Love with Alma Cogan was filmed on and around the pier.
- The pier and the town were used as a location for the 2013 film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.
- The BBC short fantasy ident, Wonderland, which is one of the BBC One 'Oneness' idents, first aired on December 1, 2018, and featured the pier.
Awards for Cromer Pier
Cromer Pier has won awards for being a fantastic pier!
- 2000 National Piers Society – Pier of the Year
- 2015 National Piers Society – Pier of the Year
Gallery
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Cromer Pier as seen from the Henry Blogg Museum
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Cromer Lifeboat Station
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Old Cromer Lifeboat shed now at Southwold
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RNLB Lester
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View of the pier
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Pier viewed from the west
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Cromer Pier, May 2009
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Images for kids
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Cromer Pier, January 2012
