Yarmouth Pier

Yarmouth Corporation proposed constructing a pier in 1870, but it was planned to serve the cross-Solent passenger service rather than as a promenade pier like others on the Island. In 1874, Parliament issued the Yar Pier Order, and by June 1875, construction had begun on a completely wooden pier. It opened to the public on July 19, 1876, and was 685 feet in length.

However, on its first day of operation, the Prince Leopold slammed into it causing immense damage to the last 150ft of the pier. In a letter of apology to the ship’s captain and crew, the Corporation expressed a desire to deter the vessel’s owners from calling in the port.

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A491997