The Rise and Fall of the Pier — Bognor Regis
During my trip to Bognor Regis in April this year, I visited their local museum and bought three small books. One of them is called The Rise and Fall of the Pier.
As a Hongkonger who came alone to start a new life in the UK, the term “pier” is always married to “ferry”, so that “ferry pier” is a transport facility rather than leisure. I would not say a kind of cultural shock, but can see a big contrast in terms of the different usage of the same term between an ex-British colony and a British country.
The Rise and Fall of the Pier is a well written booklet for me to enhance my understanding of piers in the UK. They can be meaningful architectures within a created public space bringing people together and even boosting local economies.
There are many piers which are still working well today, and some like Brighton Pier and Southend Pier which need entrance fee. Most are free with fantastic view of the coastal town.
Although Bognor Regis has its reputation since 1929 due to King George V, the pier was a bit like being abandoned, among all the piers I have visited. Great to have the book to tell the stories about its heyday, and I am looking forward to see the comeback of the pier.
