Penarth Pier on the 2nd edition OS map. - Inset: J. Leonard, Pier-Master, Penarth (DBAP42/42/1).

Penarth Pier was designed by H.F. Edwards and built in 1894. It is constructed on cast iron piles but both ends have been rebuilt in reinforced concrete.

Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Penarth Pier was requisitioned. The Royal Engineers mounted a single searchlight at the end of the pier. The purpose of this was to protect the entrance to the vitally important Cardiff and Penarth Docks from enemy attack. Most ships were still fuelled by coal and the zenith of exports was around the same period. To enhance the searchlight efficiency, it was moved (and another added) to the base of the cliffs, below the Penarth Head Battery (PRN05568s).

'GGAT 137 Defence of the Realm : Coastal Defence and Port Facilities : South East Wales and the First World War' [1108] [1109]