Plans for a pier date back to November 1893, but were only adopted following a public meeting held on 23rd October 1899. Consultant engineer R.E. Cooper designed the pier and the contractor was Alfred Thorne of London. The pier opened in 1902. It cost Cowes Council £12,800 and it measured 170 feet.

The first steamer to call was the ‘Monarch’ on 1st April 1902.Two long shelters were added in 1903, and a pavilion in 1904. The pier became the hub of waterfront activity. Sailing clubs made full use of the structure, especially during Regatta Week. Ferries ran to Southampton and Portsmouth.

During World War One, the pier was used for troop movement and, during World War Two, it was taken over by the Royal Navy. Repairs were needed after the war, partly because of fire damage, but no funds were available and the pavilion was demolished in 1951. It was bought privately in 1960 but was mostly dismantled in 1961 with some substructure surviving until 1965.

National Piers Society

Celebrating Seaside Piers

Cowes Victoria

Cowes Victoria

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