The First South Parade Pier, 1879 - 1904

The first pier took three years to buld between 1875 and 1878. Designed by G.Rale. Opened in 1879 by Princess Saxe-Weimar and at 1,950 feet in length, its main purpose was as a jetty for Isle of Wight steamer passengers embarkation. Little is known of any entertainment on the pier. It's posible military bands would have played for the public. Yet to be researhed. 1-7-1902