The Palace Pier, listed building in Brighton and Hove

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What is recorded here

Brighton's Palace Pier opened in 1899 to replace the storm-lost Chain Pier and became a leading seaside theatre and entertainment place. War closures and the loss of its theatre changed the attractions, but the long iron pier remains Brighton's only operating Victorian pier and still draws millions of visits.

What this place is

The pier runs more than five hundred metres into the sea from the Old Steine. Ironwork supports an exceptionally long timber deck carrying entrance buildings, shelters, food stalls and later fairground rides.

People and events

A private company secured Parliament's approval and began construction while the earlier Chain Pier still stood nearby. Storm destroyed that older structure in 1896, increasing the importance of completing the new Palace Pier.

How it was used

Promenading, music, theatre and other indoor shows made the pier a major Edwardian attraction. It closed for defensive reasons during both world wars, then increasingly turned toward amusement machines and rides as older theatre-going declined.

What survives

The main deck, iron supports, seaward pavilions and many traditional pier features remain in operation. A storm damaged the theatre in 1973 and it was removed in 1986, leaving fairground attractions to occupy much of the far end.

Why it mattered

The Palace Pier carries a continuing form of popular seaside leisure from the Victorian resort into the present. Its many appearances in books, films and music have also made it a widely recognised image of Brighton.