The History of Cromer Pier

The pier

There has been a pier or jetty in Cromer since 1391. Letters granting the right to levy duties for repairs suggest that attempts at maintenance seem to have gone on until 1580. In 1582, Queen Elizabeth I granted the right to the inhabitants of Cromer to export wheat, barley and malt for the maintenance of their town and towards the rebuilding of the pier.

The last wooden jetty

The last wooden jetty was built in 1846 and, described as a "plain wooden structure", was just 70 yards long. By night, it was regulated by several bylaws: for instance, smoking was only allowed after the hour of nine o'clock when ladies would be expected to have retired for the evening. Gales later damaged the jetty again so much that it had to be dismantled and Cromer was left without a pier. This brief spell of emptiness spurred the 'pier commissioners' to consider a more fashionable structure, and it was in 1901 that the new pier opened.

The two great railway companies

At that time, Cromer was served by two railway companies: the 'Great Eastern' and the 'Midland and Great Northern'. The great rivalry between the railway companies meant that any official occasion in the town gave them the excuse to bring dignitaries from near and far. And so it was with the official opening of the pier.

The 'Great Eastern' brought dignitaries and members of the press from London while the 'Midland and Great Northern' ferried VIPs from as far afield as Birmingham and Bradford. The 'Blue Viennese Band' played in the bandstand and the brochure assured visitors that 'here, while the season lasts, strains of charming music will be constantly heard.' In 1905, the bandstand was covered to form an enclosed pavilion and the following season the first 'concert parties' performed. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the 'Cromer Protection Commission' was responsible for selecting the concert parties at the pavilion, and toured the south coast looking at potential shows.

'Out The Blue'

In 1936, one of the Pavilion's most famous shows first appeared: Ronnie Brandon's 'Out The Blue'. At the outbreak of World War II, the Royal Engineers removed the middle section of the pier and shows ceased for the duration of hostilities. After the war, Cromer Council advertised in 'The Stage' for concert parties to provide shows to cover a fourteen-week season. In 1953, devastating gales demolished the pavilion and wrecked the pier. The government of the day granted compensation for the rebuilding of the pavilion and the new theatre was ready in time for the 1955 season.

Seaside Special

In 1978, the seating capacity was reduced to 440 and a new café, bar and foyer were built. At the same time, a partnership with Richard Condon was formed. From this partnership, the 'Seaside Special' was created and, as all regular visitors to Cromer and the Pavilion Theatre will know, the show has gone from strength to strength winning the 'Pier of the Year' award in 2000.

In 2001, a new partnership was formed between North Norfolk District Council and Openwide International. This partnership has grown in strength with a major part of this focusing on ways to extend the season and increase economic growth for the pier and Cromer. In 2004, further redevelopment increased the seating capacity of the theatre to 510, and added a restaurant called 'Tides', boasting the best views in town, a shop, and a superb new theatre bar.

Now the pier, the Pavilion Theatre, 'Tides Restaurant' and 'Footprints' look forward with enthusiasm to other new and exciting chapters in this rich history… and look back with proud and fond memories.

Cromer Prospect

Cromer Prospect, the North Norfolk seaside town's exciting new £200,000 public art scheme, was officially launched by Councilor Tony Nash, previous Mayor of Cromer. The scheme is supported by £152,000 of Lottery funding through the Arts Council England, East.

Cromer Prospect, which has been managed by Commissions East on behalf of North Norfolk District Council, is a series of art installations that celebrate 200 years of Cromer's lifeboats, featuring atmospheric lighting that brings the seafront alive at night.

David Ward, Cromer Prospect lead artist, has worked with many people on a permanent installation that celebrates the town's principal lifeboats set in Cromer Pier's forecourt. Twenty-four granite stones, each one representing a lifeboat, have been set along lines looking out to sea, pointing in the direction of rescue missions. The scheme has been developed by landscape designer, Shaun Ruffles.