What do you think?
Rate this book
A Pier Without Peer: The History of Hastings Pier
Tracing the iconic life of Hastings Pier, from its Victorian heyday to its resurrection as a much-loved landmark in 2016. Lavish full-colour hardback book telling the remarkable story of Hastings Pier. Hundreds of beautiful photographs and illustrations presented together for the first time in large format. Features a Roll of Honour containing the names of all those whose contributed to the Pier's re-birth. Published in Partnership with The Hastings Pier Charity.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published December 30, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 11, 2017
An astonishingly detailed chronology of the ups and downs of Hastings Pier. I was a bit dubious about the title, but they say you learn something new every day and, even as a local, I found out why the book is named as such from a play on words tale recounted within.
This book has been researched to the nth degree from its origins, through the glorious heydays and the tragic lows to the great inferno and the phoenix that rose from the flames resulting in the most modern-designed, spacious pier with food, drink and promenading/pop-up event areas.
There are some wonderful chapters from guest authors recalling the musical highs of the 1960s and the plans to rebuild the pier after its devastating arson attack.
If you are local to Sussex, love piers or British seasides, or just have an interest in heritage and history, this is a corker of a book. I can forgive the three typos ... just. ;-)
Highly recommended historical record.
This book has been researched to the nth degree from its origins, through the glorious heydays and the tragic lows to the great inferno and the phoenix that rose from the flames resulting in the most modern-designed, spacious pier with food, drink and promenading/pop-up event areas.
There are some wonderful chapters from guest authors recalling the musical highs of the 1960s and the plans to rebuild the pier after its devastating arson attack.
If you are local to Sussex, love piers or British seasides, or just have an interest in heritage and history, this is a corker of a book. I can forgive the three typos ... just. ;-)
Highly recommended historical record.
October 19, 2025
A very interesting and detailed account of Hastings Pier in particular, but also an overview of the early days of pleasure piers in general. It is fascinating to see how the attractions that have been popular on piers have changed over the years. It would seem that Hastings Pier is now set, hopefully, to continue providing a place of leisure for holidaymakers and locals alike for many years to come.
September 22, 2022
Interesting, informative and enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews