PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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Turnchapel Pier was built by Messrs Lapthorne & Goad, of Plymouth, at the instigation of Mr H Elford, of Oreston, founder and managing director of the Oreston & Turnchapel Steamboat Company. The Pier was formally opened by Mrs Elford at 2.30pm on July 24th 1889 and in spite of the inclement weather a successful regatta was held afterwards. The fife and drum band from the Kitto Institute was on hand to provide light entertainment. The Pier was 182 feet long and 8 feet 6 inches wide and it had a waiting room at the end. Steamers from Plymouth called at the eastern side and those from Oreston bound for Plymouth called at the western side. It is said that in 1943 a naval vessel collided with the Pier, adding to the damage that had already been done, probably more through neglect, during the Second World War. However, when the Parish Council made an attempt in 1953 to try to get some form of compensation from the Admiralty, there were no witnesses to this event and no written record of it. A war damage compensation payment amounting to £778 19s 3d was received but the cost of demolishing Turnchapel Pier in 1956 was £940.
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