The first Ventnor Pier was erected in 1863 and the second in 1872 - both were swept away during storms. The Royal Victoria Pier was erected in 1887 but dismantled during the war to avoid the possibility of it being used as a landing platform in the event of a German invasion. The New Royal Victoria Pier opened in1953 but caught fire in the 80s and was eventually demolished in the 90s.
Until recently there was no sign that there was ever a pier but a combination of sustained winds and longshore drift has exposed the previously hidden remnants of the old pier.
