Birnbeck Pier (Weston-super-Mare)
Birnbeck Pier is one of a dwindling number of English seaside piers, a fascinating and much loved institution.
It is situated on the coast of the Bristol Channel at Weston-super-Mare.
Birnbeck Island lies 1000 feet across the water from the resort, and was used in the 19th century by fishermen to dry nets.
In 1847 work started on a suspension bridge to the island, designed by James Dredge. For various reasons, this was never completed.
Then in 1967, Birnbeck Pier was opened, having been designed by the prolific Eugenius Birch. It had a length of 1350 feet.
When a new pier, known as the Grand Pier, was opened in 1904, the Birnbeck became known as the Old Pier.
It was used by the military during the Second World War, and sustained considerable damage.
The pier was given Grade II listed status in 1974, but was closed on safety grounds in 1994.