Princess Pier's 130 years of history, fires, and royal connections

A staple of Torquay’s seafront, Princess Pier has stood proudly for over 130 years. Thanks to our valued partnerships with Torquay Museum and local history expert Graham Wheatley, we can share these remarkable photos and research of the pier through the decades.

One image, dated to the 1890s, shows Princess Pier shortly after its opening on one of its first-ever Regatta Days.

Princess Pier 1890s. Image: Torquay Museum

The date of the second image is less certain, but it is believed to be from the 1960s—possibly around 1968—as it shows the pier with its long canopy and the Princess Theatre alongside the concert hall that was later destroyed by fire in 1974.

Above: Princess Theatre and Princess Pier possibly dated from 1960s. Image: Torquay Museum

On April 17, 1974, the Islander showbar was being redecorated for the summer season when, as reports suggest, a blowtorch started the blaze.

Anyone in Torquay that Wednesday morning will likely recall the seemingly endless stream of fire engines racing to the scene. Western Lady IV had to ferry people stranded on the outer arm of Princess Pier across to Haldon Pier, which was then used by ferries for the rest of the day. Due to severe damage to the underlying timber, the fire-damaged structure of the Islander showbar was demolished.

Some have drawn comparisons between this dramatic event and the more recent fire in 2022, which put the pier at risk when a burning superyacht drifted into Torquay Marina.

The yacht smouldered until it finally sank at 3.50pm, spilling fuel into the harbour. In total, three tonnes of diesel were removed, as the vessel had been carrying approximately 8,000 litres of fuel when it caught fire.

Part of the pier was closed to the public for two months while the salvage operation took place.

Above: Princess Pier in 2022 when a £6m superyacht went up in flames. Image: Ella Woszczyk

According to Graham, construction of the pier began in 1890 and was completed by 1894. It was formally opened by the mayor and mayoress on 29 July 1895.

Aquatic sports took place in the harbour throughout the afternoon as part of the celebration, while the mayor, mayoress, and 150 guests attended a public luncheon at the Bath Saloons.

That evening, Alderman Dr J.B. Richardson and Mrs Richardson arrived at the pier by carriage, leading a grand procession of several mayors and mayoresses from across Devon and Cornwall. The Torquay Engineer Volunteers marched alongside them, accompanied by their band.

Borough Engineer H A Garrett and Surveyor Alfred Thomas, who oversaw the pier’s construction, arrived in a separate carriage.

The celebrations featured a display of 10,000 fairy lamps illuminating the Promenade Gardens and Pier, alongside a large number of Japanese lanterns, which took until 8.30pm to light.

The illumination was originally meant to take place on July 23, when a crowd of over 9,000 had gathered. However, likely much to their dismay, the event had to be postponed due to torrential rain.

The pier was named in honour of Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who visited Torquay in May 1890 to lay the town’s memorial stone.

Above: Princess Louise in Venice By Vianelli Brothers - Royal Collection Object 2903653

She stayed at the Imperial Hotel and was met at the train station by Mr C R Collins, High Sheriff of Devonshire, and Mr John Kitson, chairman of the Torquay Local Board.

The following morning, Princess Louise opened the Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Bath Saloon, accompanied by the Marquess of Lorne. She then travelled to the site of the new pier and harbour works, where Rev G H Statham conducted a short service.

During the ceremony, the princess laid the memorial stone of the new pier. The trowel and mallet, both made of silver, had handles composed of local dove-coloured Petitor marble – a form of limestone that can be polished to appear like marble.

At the new pier, a covered walkway led to a marquee, from which the princess descended to a lower tier to perform the ceremonial laying of the stone.

Afterward, she returned to the Imperial Hotel, where a luncheon was held in the dining room. There was time for just one royal toast, which was given by the Marquess of Lorne. The princess left for the station soon after, to hearty cheers from the crowd.

Above: Princess Pier 2022. Image: Neil Owen

In response to Graham Wheatley’s research, Robin Emdon, another history enthusiast, said, "There's a tantalising clue there, Graham! I've long thought the foundation stone must originally have been lower than the current ground level. Such a shame there’s still no photograph of the ceremony or of the stone in its original location. I think it might have been at the pier entrance—maybe in the walkway onto the pier that was replaced when the promenade was widened."

Jontie Williams added: “I posted this on the 'Old' page about a year ago, but I hope it adds to today's conversation: "There were unsuccessful attempts to build a new pier and create an ‘Outer Harbour’ in the early 1880s. However, in 1883, the town acquired control of the harbour and put in place successful plans to create a new pier. The foundation stone is for that pier and actually has no direct connection with Princess Gardens.

"The road under Waldon Hill was widened and Princess Gardens created on land reclaimed from the sea at the same time, but Princess Gardens opened some four years after Princess Louise laid the foundation stone for the pier. It must have been symbolic, as the foundations of the pier would have been underwater!

"I would surmise it was probably moved to its present location in the 1960s when the extension to Princess Gardens, halted by the outbreak of war, was completed."