Brighton's iconic West Pier opened in 1866.

It measured over 1000 feet and was built with cast iron threaded columns screwed into the seabed.


On top of the structure was a wooden promenade deck which allowed visitors to seemingly walk on water.

It represented a culmination of skills used by the Victorian engineer as mechanic, architect and artist.

This was the great age of railway construction and bridge building and was based on new materials and technologies arising from the industrial revolution earlier that century.

In 1970 this magnificent English pleasure pier was closed as maintenance costs became prohibitive and in 1975 it was cut off from the shore for safety reasons.

Tourists continued to flock to this Brighton Landmark however until the structure suffered a serious partial collapse during a storm in 2002.

During 2003 and 2004 the pavilion was involved in a series of fires thought to be the work of arsonists.

Firefighters could do nothing to save the building as the collapsed walkway prevented them from reaching it.

Plans are now underway for the i360, an elegant observation tower that will elevate visitors in a pod to a height of 150m above sea level to enjoy stunning views.