Is The West Pier Haunted?

Ghosts Can't Swim.

There are few British seaside towns that can boast having not one, or two, but three piers. Brighton can, though not necessarily all at the same time. The very first pier and least known these days, is the Chain Pier. Built a few dozen metres East of the current Palace Pier, on a design similar to a suspension bridge it opened in 1823. Though relatively popular it finally closed due to disrepair, neglect, and a series of harsh storms, in late 1896.

A kilometre or so West along the coast, then came pier number two.  Aptly named The West Pier, this pier too is very much ill-fated. Opened in 1866 in a simple open deck design, it was popularly used as an off-shore viewing platform. Further development occurred in 1875 with the construction of a bandstand. Later still, modifications were made to allow steamships to dock. A grand concert hall was finally added in 1916 to complete its final construction. 

The last of Brighton's piers is the Brighton Palace Pier. Completed 1899 it is still open to this day.

The Ghosts Of The West Pier

Now let's concentrate purely on the wreck that is now the West Pier.  Closed to the general public in 1975 it has suffered much in its recent past, particularly the fire (possibly arson) which occurred in 2003. 

Since that date, the black and red steel skeletal structure has been completely cut off from the land.

In its heyday the concert hall could boast top performers from around the world. Most notable is no doubt the great Harry Houdini. 

During the war the pier was boobie trapped against invaders but in preparation for D-Day, such devices were decommissioned. This action led to the accidental denotation of explosives and the non-fatal injuries to two serving officers. 

Today, the remains of the West Pier are without a doubt one of the most popularly photographed sites in Brighton. Most evenings people gather to shoot it as the sun goes down at the end of the day. Because of the sun the clouds and the sea that laps all around, it is always different from one moment to the next.

Stick around for a little longer, wait till the sun finally completely disappears and nighttime takes over. Keep your eyes peeled out there to the listing silhouette of twisted rusting steel. What do you see?

People before you swear they've seen movement, lights floating above the burned-out decks. Ghostly shadows have been spotted darting about where once stood the Grand Concert Hall. It is said the apparitions are plenty, they dance together in a silent waltz. Twirling all about, glamorous frocks full of frills and stiff taffeta move in the soundless harmony of days gone by.

Don't be alarmed at the festival of cavorting phantoms just out to sea. There's nothing to fear. Ghosts can't swim.