Clarence Pier Opens on the Western Seafront

1861

Clarence Pier opened in 1861 at the western end of Southsea seafront, initially serving as a landing stage for paddle steamers running services across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and along the coast. The pier was named after the Duke of Clarence and was designed to take advantage of the deep water close to shore at this point. Over the following decades the pier expanded to include amusement arcades, sideshows, a concert hall, and refreshment rooms, becoming a traditional seaside entertainment venue. The pier was severely damaged by bombing during the Second World War, when much of the seafront area was targeted because of its proximity to the naval dockyard. It was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s with a large indoor amusement centre, outdoor rides, and a funfair. The rebuilt pier has a utilitarian, post-war character quite different from the Victorian original. Despite periods of decline and debate about its future, Clarence Pier has remained a fixture of Southsea's seafront for over 160 years. It continues to operate rides and amusements, and is particularly busy during school holidays and summer weekends. The hovercraft terminal for Hovertravel services to Ryde sits immediately adjacent to the pier.