An aerial view, with colourised version, probably dating from the mid 1950's of the Victorian Penarth Pier published within the 'White Funnel Fleet Handbook' [001] [307]. The pier was designed by H. F. Edwards esq. on commission of the Penarth Promenade and Landing Pier Company Limited, a company set up with the expertise of the shipping magnates John Cory and Thomas Morel together with brewer, E. Hancock esq. The contractor was a noted pier builder the brothers, Arthur and James Mayoh of Manchester. The pier was opened in either February or April 1895 depending upon which local historian is correct, but it was in time for the gentry to take the air at 2d a head during the Summer Season that year. It was later expanded with shops in 1907 and in the 1920's the concrete pavilion in Art Deco style was added. Note the public baths, the Esplanade Hotel, the Beachcliff building, and all the other beautifully ornate Victorian and Edwardian buildings in view.
Thomas Morel, J.P. was a director of the Albion Steam Coal Company Limited and lived at 'The Lindens,' Penarth. [1179 - v.7 1895]
The handbook describes Penarth to the visitor: 'Penarth is situated around a promontory which rises to a height of 220 feet above sea level, and the Church of St. Augustine commands a dominating position on the headland. Its saddleback tower is a familiar Admiralty landmark.
The Pier possesses a fine Dance Hall at the shore end. Facing the gates is the Dingle Road leading directly to the Railway Station. To the right of the Pier Gates is the Alexandra Park, attractively laid out on the hillside. Parallel with the Esplanade and above it are the Windsor Gardens.
The town is within ten minutes of Cardiff, the centre of the cultural, industrial and national life of Wales. The Information Bureau is at the Council Offices, West House, near the Railway Station and the Bus Centre.'
