'The Margate of the Lincolnshire Coast' - recalling a momentous event in August 150 years ago

 

As the 150th anniversary year of Cleethorpes Pier draws to a close, we look at how its opening was reported by the Press  on August 5, 1873. The report below is from the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer of that date.

OPENING OF CLEETHORPES PIER 

This event, which has long been looked forward with a vast amount of pleasurable interest by the inhabitants of the rising little watering-place, Cleethorpes, deservedly named the Margate of the Lincolnshire coast, took place, amidst much ceremony and rejoicing, yesterday. 

The weather in the early part of the day was gloomy, but as the afternoon advanced the sun shone out resplendently, and the sands and pier presented quite a festive appearance. 

The little village was completely deluged with flags and banners, while the cheap excursion trains from the West Riding and midland counties brought thousands of visitors, who, on this the last Bank holiday before Christmas, were afforded opportunity of spending a day in the country. 

All along the extensive beach and the marine promenades crowded the delighted trippers in holiday costume, while bathing, boating, and many other amusements were entered into with a gusto peculiar to the dwellers in towns when they find themselves transplanted to the seaside. 

The new pier, which is a light and elegant structure supported iron pillars, was commenced by a limited liability company in December last from designs by Messrs J. E. & A. Doweon, engineers, of London, the contractors being Messrs Head, Wrightson. & Co., of Stockton on-Tees.

 It is 400 yards length by 20ft. in width, and, at the end is a platform, 120ft. long by 85ft. broad, with steps descending to the water for the accommodation of passengers. 

The opening ceremony took place at two o'clock, when speeches were delivered by Grant Thorold, the chairman, and Mr E. Bannister, the vice-chairman of the company, who spoke in complimentary terms the manner in which the work had been carried out, and of the great progress which the watering place had made during the past few years, which this new structure was calculated materially to enhance. 

Cheers were given for the company, and subsequently there were some very interesting trials with the Cleethorpes lifeboat, followed by series of rowing matches and aquatic sports.

A band music played a selection of music on the platform, and dancing was freely indulged in by the young people present. 

The day was thoroughly enjoyable one, and the event, it is hoped, marks much future advantage for this favourite resort.