OPENING OF A NEW PIER AT REDCAR
The handsome new pier which has just been completed at Redcar was formally opened on Monday. The new structure runs out from the shore at the east end of town in an east north-east direction, a distance of 1300 yards, and is directly in a line with Graffenberg-street. At the shore end are collector’s offices — one on each side — it being intended that those who walk on the pier shall pay toll, and under their roofs are ladies and gentlemen’s waiting-rooms. The width of the pier is 20 feet, with the exception of some 40 yards or so at the extreme end, where it is considerably wider, the additional space being taken up with seats, which run round the end in a double row in the shape of a horse shoe. These seats will accommodate about 600 persons, and are so screened from the wind that they will be a pleasant lounge, although a stiff breeze may meanwhile be blowing. They run around on the outside of the screen as well as the inside, and the sea and the coast may form the prospect on the one side, or on the other the scene may be confined to the some-what snug semicircle within the screen. The latter space being planked (as indeed is the whole of the promenade), will form excellent dancing ground, and no doubt it will not unfrequently be devoted to that exhilarating pastime. The pier itself is supported on cast-iron piles nine inches in diameter, and the solid rock, into which they are driven, gives an exceptionally good foundation. To those piles are attached iron columns, placed in pairs 80 feet apart, and, slanting inwards, an additional stability is given by strong wrought-iron bracing. Upon the top of the piles are cast-iron spandrils connected transversely by the flooring timber joists. Along each side of the pier is a wrought-iron palisading, with recesses at intervals for seats, and at night it will be lighted with 18 lamps. A landing-stage, to be available at all times of the tide, is in coarse of construction in connection with the pier, for the use of passengers by the steamboats which ply along the coast, or those who engage the pleasure-boats. The original contract was £6,250, but the wind-screens and other extras will involve an additional expenditure of £1,000. The capital of the company was £10,000. Messrs. J. E. and A. Dowson, of London, were the engineers, and Messrs. Head, Wrightson, and Co., of Teesdale Ironworks, South Stockton, the contractors.
The ceremony of opening the new pier was to have been performed by Rear-Admiral Chaloner, the chairman of the pier company, but unfortunately he was unable to undertake it in consequence of indisposition. In his letter of apology for non-attendance, written from Longhull, and read to the concourse of persons by Mr. W. H. Webster, secretary, he stated that he felt it a great dis- appointment. His medical adviser strongly urged him not to leave the house, and he owned that it would be very rash on his part to do so. His regret at being unable to perform the duty assigned him, however, was exceeded by his earnest desire for the success of the undertaking. The duty which Admiral Chaloner was thus prevented from undertaking was gracefully performed by Mrs. Dawson, of Western Hall, Otley, who was accompanied by her son and daughter. The address which had been prepared for presentation to the gallant admiral was received by his deputy on the occasion, Mr. W. C. Trevor, clerk of the peace for the North Riding. It expressed the deep sense which the directors and shareholders entertained of the valuable services which Admiral Chaloner, as chairmen of the company, had rendered them and the inhabitants of the town generally, and recorded their admiration of the zeal, assiduity, and ability be had displayed, and the great courtesy and kindness which they had at all times received at his hands. It also stated that it was a matter of heartfelt regret to all that the lamented death of the Earl of Zetland had prevented that estimable nobleman from seeing the completion of the handsome structure, which owed its existence to the pecuniary assistance which he so munificently gave to the undertaking. After the document had been read, the Rev. W. MILBURN, vicar of Redcar, offered prayer — In accepting the address, which was beautifully engrossed on vellum, Mr. TREVOR said he had no doubt that all present deeply regretted the absence of Admiral Chaloner, knowing the great care and thought which he bestowed on the undertaking, as indeed on everything which was likely to promote the welfare of the inhabitants, and the prosperity of Redcar. A very kind lady and well wisher of the town, however, had gracefully consented to take the duty of opening the pier, and their thanks were due to her for thus coming to their aid, more especially on such short notice. Mr. Trevor also made reference to the death of the Earl of Zetland, observing that by it the town and neighbourhood had sustained a great loss. He had been the main support of the pier since the work of erection was commenced, and if he had been spared and able would no doubt have been present to take part in the opening ceremony. In conclusion he congratulated the inhabitants and visitors on the completion of the work, which was an ornament to the place, and would compare favourably with any other pier on the coast.— Mrs. Dawson then stepped forward and said : -” I declare the Redcar Pier duly opened, and wish it with all my heart every success.” This declaration was greeted with cheers by the assembly, end announced to the inhabitants and the thousands of visitors who thronged the sands, or went afloat in the numerous boots which skimmed along the coast in the neighbourhood of the pier, by the mortars find from the pier head. The playing of the National Anthem by the bands concluded the proceedings, but the evening had far advanced before the pier was given up as a promenade by the many who availed themselves of the pleasure as well as the novelty. We must not omit to mention that two lifeboats— the one belonging to the Royal Lifeboat Institution and the other to the fishermen of Redcar – were launched and manned in celebration of the event, and gave an interest to the proceedings of the day which they would not otherwise have possessed. In the afternoon the directors, shareholders, and a number of the leading inhabitants of the town took luncheon at the Royal Hotel.
Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough 9th December 1874
REDCAR AND SALTBURN SIX VESSELS ASHORE
COTHAM PIER CUT IN THREE
The most terrific gale experienced on this coast, broke out suddenly last night. The wind blew with terrific force from the north east, accompanied with rain and heavy showers of snow and sleet. The Coast Guardsmen and those connected with the life boat and rocket apparatus, mustered with full expectation of their services being required. We hear that the organisation for launching and manning the lifeboat is not what it ought to be. The boat was taken out but could not be launched. Fortunately, its services were not required, and although the shore is strewn with wreck, and four vessels are lying almost within sight of each other, no lives have been lost. The sea rose to a tremendous height, and all this forenoon the breakers are rushing in on the piers with tremendous force. Coatham pier is a miserable sight. The splendid promenade has been broken through in two places, each gap being from 60 to 70 yards wide. The Griffin, of Southampton, cut through the pier on the near side of the saloon, and later in the morning a similar gap was made on the north side, and about the same distance from the saloon, by the Corryumbus, so that it stands an isolated spectacle of wreck.
WRECK OF THE GRIFFIN.
The brig Griffin, of Southampton, William Mundy, master, with a crew of seven men, left Whitby on Saturday week, bound for Sunderland. She was laden with oak, and had discharged part of her cargo at various ports. She was almost becalmed about nine o’clock, and at half-past eleven the gale came on, when they shortened sail. From the violence of the wind and rain they could see no distance before them, and the ship came right on to the Coatham pier about four o’clock. The crew jumped on to the pier, and the vessel passed right through, carrying off several yards of the iron girders. The figure head, bowsprit, and bulwarks were very much damaged. After striking she must have swung round, and passed through the breach she made broadside on, as the bulwarks at the stern are broken up. She only drifted about a hundred yards inshore after getting clear of the pier when she stuck fast in the sands. When the tide receded, the boats and wreckage were secured and the vessel lightened so that she would float with the tide.
ANOTHER SHIP RUN THROUGH THE PIER.
STRANDING OF THE CORRYMBUS OF DUNDEE.
The schooner Corrymbus, of Dundee, 91 tons, Alexander Petrie, master, with a crew of five men, all belonging to Arbroath, from Boulogne to Shields, in bailast, ran into Scarborough last week for shelter. She cleared from Scarborough on Tuesday, and encountered the gale off Redcar. The master was at the wheel from the time the gale came and until she stranded, and he maintains that he saw no light on the pier, though we learn that the light was burning all night. As already stated, the Corrymbus ran through the pier about as far on the north side of the saloon as the Griffin had run through the south side. The pier carried away her bowsprit and rigging, and the bulwarks are damaged, but otherwise the hull is intact and making no water. She drifted up the estuary, and grounded immediately outside the breakwater about four o’clock. The crew waited till the tide receded, and then came ashore.
WRECK OF THE GARIBALDI.
The brig Garibaldi, about 196 tons, was driven on to the Rocks early in the morning. The captain let go both anchors, and then cut away the masts. The crew was saved by the rocket apparatus, under command of Captain Berts. The vessel then floated off the rocks and drifted close beside the Coatham pier. She now lies within a few yards of the pier and the promenade. The masts and rigging lie beside her. She is a very strong vessel, and the hull seems to have sustained no damage. She will probably lift with the rising tide this afternoon.
THE BRIGANTINE EXPRESS.
The Brigantine Express of Blyth, owned by Mi- Edward Mackenvie, came on shore on the Lye Dams, a little to the east of Redcar. She is 300 tons laden, was commanded by Captain Turnbull, and left Boulogne on Friday for Blyth. The hands got off, and the vessel is not much injured.
STRANDING OF THE GRINKLE S.S. AT SALTBURN.
The Grinkle S.S. left Jarrow on Tuesday for Rosedale, to ship iron ore. She brought up at Skinningrove, and when the gale came on, Captain Vermeil determined to run for Flamborough Head. One of the boilers burst, and a sail was then put up, but it was torn to shreds. The crew bad no power to control the vessel, and she ran ashore a short distance east from Saltburn. The National Lifeboat Institution’s lifeboat “The Appleyard,” was launched, and took off the crew. The vessel does not appear to be damaged, and is likely to float with the tide this afternoon.
THE CALEDONIA ASHORE.
The brig Caledonia of Rochester 350 tons, Captain Tindale, left Rochester a week ago for Shields. She took shelter in Burlington Bay till yesterday. Her canvass was torn to shreds and she was cast ashore about three o’clock in the morning below the old hamlet at Saltburn. She sustained little damage, and the crew of six men were taken off by the rocket apparatus.
All along the shore from Saltburn to Redcar is strewn, and westward from Redcar are the remains of the Coatham Pier — planks, cordage, &c. It was reported that the crew of one of the vessels which came ashore at Redcar, saw a vessel go down with all hands shortly before they came ashore, but we could find no reliable information as to the circumstance. During the afternoon the weather brightened up a good deal and large numbers of people paid a visit to the various vessels as they lay high and dry on the beach. Three of the shipwrecked crew were taken to the Cleveland Inn, where they cared for by Mr J. Coulson, local agent of the Shipwreck Mariners Society.
The damage done to the Coatham Pier is considerable.
