Clevedon

On our way from Bristol to Somerset, we stopped off at Clevedon, which we had never visited before.  I have seen many photographs of the wonderful Grade 1 listed pier and was keen to see it myself.

The pier was completed in 1869.  In the mid twentieth century, falling visitor numbers resulted in operating losses for the pier, and this may have contributed to inadequate maintenance.    In October 1970, when the pier was being load tested for insurance purposes, the two end spans failed and fell into the sea.  For many years the future of the pier was in doubt, with concerns for the safety of shipping leading to proposals to dismantle and remove the pier entirely. However, money was eventually raised to restore and rebuild it and it reopened in May 1998.   If you are unfamiliar with the pier, I include a classic view as an extra.

Minimal processing while I am on holiday:  the main might benefit from the addition of a gull!

It is wonderful to have a choice of images to blip for a change. I have also back-blipped yesterday's image.