Southend Pier Railway

The first pier opened in 1830, although the present structure is largely based on the 1889 rebuild, when a twin line electric railway was installed. An extension in 1898 made it the longest pleasure pier in the world, with a total length of 1.34 miles, whilst a further extension for steamer traffic, the Prince George extension, was built in 1929. A major fire in 1977 did extensive damage and undoubtedly helped to speed up the closure of the electric railway, which was shut down in October 1978 for safety reasons. The very length of the pier meant that this would also end it's pleasure use, as even the fittest tourist would be daunted by walking an almost 3 mile round trip! After serious repairs, the line was reduced from two, to a single line, with a central passing loop, whilst the traction was now provided by 2 identical lightweight diesels supplied by Severn-Lamb Engineering Co. The two 7 car trains numbered A & B are named Sir John Betjeman & Sir William Heygate The following photos are the result of a visit by my wife and I on the 22nd Aug. 1999, on the way to my mother-in-law at Thorpe le Soken.

The front of Car B, Sir William Heygate at the start station

Loading a slot machine into the cargo compartment of the engine.

Passing Sir John Betjeman at the central passing loop.

The end of pier station, seen through the rigging of a moored Thames sailing Barge.

The full length of the Pier, together with the moored sailing Barge.

The end of the Pier, showing the Isle of Grain on the distant shore.

Showing the extent of the fire damage, after the latest conflageration at the end of the pier!

Radio Caroline´s ship the MV Ross Revenge crossed the Thames Estuary on June 21st 1999, and was currently (9/99) still moored at the end of the pier. The background to this move is covered by this site. She is now moored in the Medway estuary, as can be seen here.

Low tide and a distant view of a train, mid pier, from the shore.