DEMOLITION OF THE WEST PIER LIGHTHOUSE
Before and after
By Stephen Morris
Following the subsidence of the West Pier in the mid-seventies, the decision was made to demolish the West Pier lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1885, but was deemed to be unsafe following the undermining of the West Pier foundations. I am not sure when I took these photographs but I think they were in the summer of 1978.
Click on picture to go to larger version.
Great pictures Stephen thank you for sharing them with us.
Like Stephen have you got any old pictures of the town that you would like to add to our collection?
John -- Editor
The concrete had been drilled way in the first picture for explosive charges to bring down the main structure. The signal pole is still doing its job of permitting ships entry to, or departure from the harbour.
© Stephen Morris
The second picture shows the end result. Note the former East Pier lighthouse in the background, now also replaced by a modern light.
© Stephen Morris
The lantern is now located at Paradise Park. For a while, it was previously located near the ferry terminal entrance in a sorry state as shown in this picture.
© Stephen Morris