We all looked on in horror as Eastbourne Pier was engulfed by flames on Wednesday. The Grade II* pier has enjoyed a long and successful history. But a look through The Argus archives reveals the pier has had anything but a trouble-free time. Ben James reports.

The headlines of The Argus were much the same 44 years ago when the famous pier was engulfed by flames.

Back in January 1970 the fire ripped through the theatre at the end of the structure – where last week it took out the arcade next to the entrance.

Firefighters, lifeboat crews and police – much like last week – rushed to do what they could to tackle the blaze.

But tragically, the fire destroyed the old theatre.

However it was not long before the owners rebuilt the end of the pier and created Dixieland showbar which was used for discos and cabaret.

The story of the pier starts in the mid 19th century when proposals were first put forward.

It was originally set to be built at the end of Devonshire Place and stretch some 1,000 feet into the English Channel.

But after various delays and problems with funding, the plans were scrapped and the junction of Grand and Marine Parades was chosen as the new site.

Work began in April 1866 and in June 1870 it was opened – despite the landing stage, kiosk and windbreak not being completed until two years later.

It was an instant hit, but Mother Nature hit back on New Year’s Day 1877 when a storm washed away the shoreward end.

The people of Eastbourne were undeterred and set about rebuilding it at a higher level.

A 400-seat theatre followed in 1888 at a cost of £250.

At the turn of the century that too was replaced by a 1000-seat theatre, bar, camera obscura and pier office complex.

The pier was then one of the finest in the country with visitors travelling from miles around to walk its length and enjoy the various attractions.

Then came the Second World War. The threat of invasion from the Germans was all too real and precautions were taken along the south coast of England.

The decking was removed from the pier to prevent invaders using it as a make-shift harbour and machine guns were installed in the theatre.

A Bofors anti-aircraft gun was also placed mid-way down the structure.

However, disaster struck in December 1942 when an exploding sea mine damaged the pier and even the surrounding hotels. But the pier survived the war and with the declaration of peace the decking was put back.

In the two decades following the war the pier enjoyed some of its greatest days. Visitor numbers, profits and investments were up and the pier was becoming a must see attraction along the south coast.

A report from The Argus in March 1958, tells of 750,000 people visiting the pier in a year.

However, as a story from The Argus in December 1962 shows, there were still reminders of the war.

Workers had set about repairing the pier’s iconic turrets when they came across a number of curious holes. On closer inspection they found German bullets.

But despite the boom time for the pier, there was a nagging worry at the back of the then manager’s mind.

An article from February 1958 tells of the concerns of Mr Aldridge who warned a fire would be difficult to manage.

He told our reporter the main water valves for the water supply were in the car park to the front of the pier. This, he added, could be troublesome with drivers often leaving their cars parked over the valves overnight.

His worst fears came true in January 1970 when a devastating fire destroyed the theatre. The owners rebuilt again only for the hurricane of 1987 to destroy much of the landing stage.

With various attractions over the years, from a nightclub and ballroom to cabaret bar and arcades, the pier has always been somewhere for a good night out However, things got slightly out of hand back in July 1982. A report in our paper at the time told of 52 drunken men rampaging through the pier’s showbar on a stag do.

The men charged up and down the dance floor, picked fights with other visitors and smashed furniture, glasses and light fittings.

The shocking episode was the first time in 22 years Eastbourne police had used their truncheons to break up the mob.

Such was the scale of the disorder, officers were called in from nearby Hailsham and Polegate.

The following morning Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court was packed as eight of the men pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour likely to cause a breach of peace.

Thankfully not every night out at the pier is as eventful. It is regarded for its elegance and Victorian splendour and as a result has appeared in numerous films and TV productions.

Many will recognise it in the Poirot episode titled Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan. It also featured in the 2001 film titled Last Orders and in the 2008 release Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. In recent years the pier has continued to be a success while retaining its Victorian charm.

A review of the site by English Heritage in May 2009 saw it upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* . The same year, the owners Six Piers Ltd put it up for sale but later took it off the market following a bumper summer season.

Nobody can deny the pier has had a difficult time over the years. Let’s just hope last week’s fire is merely another chapter in the pier’s history – rather than the final one.

good night out
However, things got slightly out of hand back in July 1982. A report in our paper at the time told of 52 drunken men rampaging through the pier’s showbar on a stag do.
The men charged up and down the dance floor, picked fights with other visitors and smashed furniture, glasses and light fittings.
The shocking episode was the first time in 22 years Eastbourne police had used their truncheons to break up the mob.
Such was the scale of the disorder, officers were called in from nearby Hailsham and Polegate.
The following morning Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court was packed as eight of the men pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour likely to cause a breach of peace.
Thankfully not every night out at the pier is as eventful. It is regarded for its elegance and Victorian splendour and as a result has appeared in numerous films and TV productions.
Many will recognise it in the Poirot episode titled Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan. It also featured in the 2001 film titled Last Orders and in the 2008 release Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.   
In recent years the pier has continued to be a success while retaining its Victorian charm.
A review of the site by English Heritage in May 2009 saw it upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* . The same year, the owners Six Piers Ltd put it up for sale but later took it off the market following a bumper summer season.
Nobody can deny the pier has had a difficult time over the years. Let’s just hope last week’s fire is merely another chapter in the pier’s history – rather than the final one.