In 1875, engineer Thomas Cargill headed up the work to build Withernsea Pier.

When it opened in 1878, 1 penny was charged for admission through the large castle gateway, letting people walk along the ornate iron girders that reached 1196 ft out to sea.

In the great storm of 1880, a coal barrage, "Saffron", punched a 200ft hole through the middle, and then "Jabez" hit the end of the pier.

Many a ship collided with it over the following years until only 50ft were remaining of the once Grand Pier. For safety, the last remains of the pier were removed in 1903. As a result, all that can be now seen of this once iconic landmark is the Pier Towers, which stand majestically as an entrance to the beach from the promenade.

Amazingly, the Withernsea Community have sought to rebuild this iconic landmark and, in 2020, reopened Pier Towers as a visitors centre and continue their campaign to rebuild the fallen pier itself.