A brief history of Bangor's Garth Pier
April 29, 2022
125 years old and still going strong, a brief history of Bangor's Garth Pier!
It has survived threats of demolition and the wear and tear of tide and time to be voted Pier of the Year for 2022
Strutting out into the Menai Strait stands one of North Wales most recognisable landmarks. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, Garth Pier offers a perfect spot for summers day, a seaside snack or just a relaxing stretch of the legs. The pier has sat at part of the city of Bangor for 125 years, yet despite threats of demolition and the wear and tear brought on by time, it's still thriving, being voted Pier of the Year by the National Pier's Society this year.
The pier was originally opened 14th May 1896 from a design made by J.J. Webster at a cost of £14,475 - just over £2 million today. It was opened in a ceremony performed by George Douglas-Pennant, the second baron Penrhyn, the family who owned much of the lands around the area, including Penrhyn Castle, the Bangor docks and Bethesda Quarry.
The pier measuring 1,550 feet (470 m) has cast iron columns, with the rest of the metal structure made of steel including the handrails, the wooden deck stretches out over the straits, with several kiosks along it's length, offering a range of different services. Much of what you see on the pier today was part of it when it originally opened in the Victorian era, including the kiosks, ironwork fences and gate, while much of the decking has been replaced over the years.
Many steamers stopped at the pier up until 1914, with an average of 34,000 passengers each year coming until then. Steamers would travel from Liverpool en route to Llandudno, stopping at Garth pier as part of that journey.
Originally a railway for handling baggage had been included in the design but it was removed in 1914, after a cargo ship, the SS Christina drifted into the pier over night, causing a significant amount of damage. The ship cleaved straight through the structure, leaving the pier divided, the Royal Anglesey Engineers constructed a makeshift gangway between the two, intended as a temporary fix, it instead remained until 1921 when repairs were resumed after World War 1.
The Menai Strait is notorious for its unpredictable currents and rough waters. This made any repairs to the pier especially challenging.
Two sappers, Lionel Hemingway and Samuel Hill, drowned after losing control of their boat. The pier was a popular stopping point for tour boats heading around Anglesey. But it was not a short trip taking a near 12 hours to complete starting at Liverpool at 9am and returning at 8.40pm.
In 1927, one of the pier's kiosks was transformed into a Marine science laboratory, set up by Professor Phillip White for the University of North Wales - now Bangor University. His sudden death in 1929 prompted the creation of the first Marine Zoology course.
These days Bangor is renowned for its Marine Sciences as one of its most popular and successful courses, with extensive facilities set around the area. By 1971 the pier had fallen in disrepair and was closed, being bought off Arfon Borough Council by Bangor City Council for 1p in 1982.
But repairs restarted funded by various grants and the public. A list of those who donated is shown on the stone plaque near the gatehouse. It's estimated to have cost around o£750,000. The then Mayor of Bangor Councillor John Haydn Jones lifted the first plank setting the project on its way.
This was not the last bit of restoration work to take place. In 2017 £1 million was set aside to complete a range of work needed on the pier. The pier is now watched over by the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, many of whom had a hand in creating the Pier 125 exhibition currently on show in Storiel until the 4th of June, where you can learn more about this iconic piece of Bangor's history.
Thank you to the Daily Post for the great article, see HERE
Colwyn Bay Pier News / Blog
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Llandudno Pier repair work continues- this is when it could reopen, (This is great news) LLANDUDNO PIER could reopen in some capacity this coming weekend, with most of its businesses to remain closed until February. The famous Victorian-era landmark was devastated by Storm Darragh in early December, with Kelly's Ice Cream parlour "completely” swept away , while a 150-year-old unit was "ripped off its foundations", with storm damage totalling an estimated £250,000. Llandudno Pier, which is owned by Tir Prince Leisure Group, have given an update on the work which has already been undertaken at the site. The gentleman’s toilet block will have its roof replaced, as the footing for the Kelly’s unit now been cleared and made safe. The roof to the bar at the end of the pier is currently being repaired after several sections were blown o One hut remains on its side, with another impacted hut requiring surveying. “Several” benches and tables which were damaged are in the process of being repaired, and repairs will shortly start on the steel work supporting the structure – 10-12 pieces under the café, bar and deck arcade were “significantly” damaged and will need replacing or reattaching. “The weather hasn’t helped in any way with the progress of the repairs and we have faced several hurdles so far as a result,” said Paul Williams, Llandudno Pier general manager. “We are looking at opening up the Pier as far as the The Crystal Hut by next weekend. “The shops will remain closed until February 1 and then hopefully back fully trading for the upcoming season. “We are trying our hardest to get the Pier back open fully as quickly, but as safely, as possible. “On behalf of the whole team, I would like to thank everyone for all their continued support, it’s greatly appreciated. I look forward to to welcoming everyone back in the coming weeks.” Thisarticle is from the North Wales Pioneer see HERE
A big Thank you to TAPE who have created this fantastic model of the new Pier, which is now on display in a shop window, near the entrance to the Bay View Shopping Centre, Colwyn Bay, About TAPE (Priding itself on accessibility and inclusivity TAPE has been providing high-quality inclusive. supportive, person-led opportunities since 2008. From 1-hour taster sessions and film screenings to commercial contracts and feature film production TAPE’s delivery offers people the chance to explore and develop their creativity. TAPE’s delivery supports both individuals and groups, working with people of all ages and experience levels, ensuring that they are centrally involved in the creative process. From first time creatives through to graduates and professionals the charity can offer training, support and opportunities.) see their website HERE
Heartbreaking news, as Llandudno Pier has been damaged by a 93mph gales! The owner of Llandudno's historic pier says it will be a "miracle" if it survives Storm Darragh. North Wales has been battered by fierce winds since the early hours of the morning - reaching 93mph in some areas. The famous pier has already suffered damage in the storms. One kiosk has been ripped from its foundations while others have suffered roof damage. But the biggest fear is once high tide is reached at the resort. If wind speeds remain very high this could see the whole structure swamped. High tide is at 2.42pm this afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to remain at close to 70mph in Llandudno for much of the afternoon, with gales blowing in from the north. Adam Williams, of Tir Prince, who has owned the site since 2015, said: "The weather is biblical. We have never known it so bad. The tide still has a long way to come in yet, if it survives it will be a miracle. "I am thankful we spent so much money over the summer reinforcing the underneath. It’s heart breaking to watch, so much good work can be undone in the space of a few hours.At 2,295 feet (700 m), the pier is the longest in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales. It attracts millions of visitors every year. Thank you to the Daily Post for this story. To read the article please see HERE
