Paignton Pier facts for kids
Paignton Pier in 2019
|
|
| Official name | Paignton Pier |
|---|---|
| Type | Pleasure Pier |
| Construction | Arthur Hyde Dendy |
| Total length | 780 feet (240 m) |
| Opening date | June 1879 |
| Coordinates | 50°26′14″N 3°33′21″W / 50.4372°N 3.5559°W |
Paignton Pier is a fun place to visit in the seaside town of Paignton, Devon, England. It's a long structure built out over the sea. A local lawyer named Arthur Hyde Dendy paid for it. George Soudon Bridgman was the person who designed it.
Contents
Discovering Paignton Pier's Past
How Paignton Pier Was Built
Building Paignton Pier began in October 1878. The design was created by George Soudon Bridgman. Before construction started, a special law called the Paignton Pier Act was approved on June 3, 1874.
The pier is about 780 feet (240 m) long. It opened to the public in June 1879. At the very end of the pier, there was a large building called a pavilion.
Fun Times at the Old Pier
The pavilion at the end of the pier was a busy place. People enjoyed many kinds of shows there. There was singing, dancing, and music hall performances.
One very famous event was a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. It was called HMS Pinafore and was performed right on the water! This happened on July 27 and 28, 1880. In 1881, the pier's end was made even bigger. This allowed for a new billiard room to be added next to the pavilion.
Changes and Challenges Over Time
After Arthur Dendy passed away, a company bought Paignton Pier. It became a regular stop for paddle steamers. These boats traveled between Torquay and Brixham.
In 1919, a fire sadly destroyed the pier-head and its buildings. These parts were never rebuilt. The pier then went through a difficult period. During World War II, in 1940, a section of the pier was removed. This was done to help protect against a possible German invasion. After the war, the damaged part was fixed.
Modern Makeover and Attractions
In 1980, Paignton Pier got a big update. The part of the pier closest to the shore was made wider. New, stylish buildings were also constructed. These buildings are still there today.
Today, Paignton Pier has an entrance building. Along the pier, there are several buildings that look separate. However, they are actually one long amusement arcade! At the very end of the pier, there's an open area. Here you can find fun rides like go-karts, slides, and a carousel.
