Sandown Pier

Sandown Pier was built in 1876, although not opened untill 1879, with Chief Engineer W. Binne directing its construction. In 1887 the Pier was taken over by the Isle of Wight MP Richard Webster, and was purchased by his Sandown Pier Extension Company who deemed the Pier too short. It was extended in 1895 from 360ft long to 875ft, adding a pavilion and steamer platform. A carnival atmosphere of celebrations and a regatta depicted the Grand opening. During the Great war (World War 1) Richard Webster died. The pier was then sold to Sandown Urban District Council for ?3,500, and became a popular entertainment ground with regular preformers such as the Sand Prize Band. In 1933, a 1000 seat pavilion was extended at the shore end of the pier, with a great ceremony presented by Lord Jellico, the Admiral of the Fleet and Veteran of the Great War. A converted Ballroom was added on the pier-Head.

In 1940 the pier was divided as a defence measure in case of German invasion. Unfortunatly, the pier began to deteriorate through lack of care, and the landing stage began to decline. After the war, repair work began and the pier became popular once again. In 1954, the landing was replaced be a two-tier concrete landing. It was during the 1950s that the pier became directly in contact with Portsmouth. The Queen and Prince Phillip attended the pavilion for a ceremony in 1965, before leaving on the Royal Barge from the pier-head.

It was in 1968 that more work began. The seaward end of the pavilion was demolished, and the shoreward end developed further. By this time, most of the iron piles and decking had been restored with concrete. Another opening ceremony was preformed by Lord Mountbatten in 1973. The pier was then taken over by Sandown pier Ltd in 1986, and reopened the following year. It was leased back by the South Wight Council, who refurbished the theatre and let it to Isle of Wight Theatres Ltd. In 1989, a fire broke out causing substantial damage. The pier was repaired again and reopened the following year. It was unfortunate that the theatre finally closed in the late 1990s. Nowadays the pier offers modern activities and attractions which keeps alive the memories of its bygone days.

sandown pier ghosts
There have not been many reports of ghost sightings on the pier, but person recalls a mysterious tugging on their clothing. On turning around, nobody was there. It is not known who was doing this, but there have been suggestions that it could be a child. There have also been reports of a band playing and collective laughter at the end of the pier. Could this be an entertained audience in the once great theatre?