QUEENS PIER RAMSEY

Queens Pier, above, is an impressive sight when you are driving into Ramsey along the coast or mountain road.

Commissioned by the Isle of Man Harbour Board and constructed by Head Wrightson & Company, this 2241ft (679m) pier opened on 22nd July 1886 by the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man. Costing £45,000 Ramsey Queens Pier and originally designed as a landing point for steamers plying the Liverpool, Fleetwood, Belfast and River Clyde routes.

It comprised of a wooden deck over iron piles, and had a small cafe at the far end. A 3ft (900mm) gauge horse-drawn tramway, that was originally used to transport building materials during construction, ran alongthe centre and was retained for baggage transport. A new wooden landing stage was added in 1899, along with a covered passenger car on the tramway.

The horse-drawn tramway was motorised in 1937 when the locomotive "Planet"was introduced. Modifications were again made to the tramway in 1950 when a "Wickham" rail car was added. Further track alterations in 1956, gave the line an overall length of 2,080ft (631m). 1956 also saw the redevelopment of the pier entrance.

In subsequent years the Pier has fallen into a state of decline, no longer used as landing port, closed to visitors and declared unsafe. The future of Ramsey Queens Pier remains uncertain, although when I passed today at least work to make it make it safe from collapsing in to the sea was being undertaken. Rumours, suggestions and options are being considered as to renovate or demolish. I hope it's the former. The approach to Ramsey just wouldn't be the same without it.