Reaching 1.33 miles (2.14km) into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier holds the record for the longest pleasure pier in the world. The iron pier was completed in 1889, replacing the previous timber pier which had previously opened in 1830. The vast length of the pier was required due to mudflats extending out from Southend's coast, which presented difficulty in allowing ships to dock at high tide, and making it impossible at low tide. The construction of this newer pier also saw the addition of the Pier Railway, the first example of such a thing in the UK. The original railway existed a dual track, electrified line, built to 3ft 6in gauge, and was later extended to reach the pier head. By 1930, the line was operated by four seven-car trains, which were later replaced in 1949.
In 1978, the railway was closed for repairs, and reopened on 2nd May 1986 as a single track, 3ft gauge line, which has since been operated by two diesel trains built by Severn Lamb. These trains are named "Sir William Heygate", an MP who led the public campaign to create Southend Pier, and "Sir John Betjeman", renowned poet who helped in campaigning against the demolition of the pier in 1980. Now in 2021, these trains are due to be replaced with more modern counterparts, once again built by Seven Lamb.
LINKS
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
Portfolio: [ Ссылка ]
