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Celebrating 125 years
Cromer Pier Past
For more than 600 years, Cromer has been home to a stunning pier or jetty that boasts a rich and captivating history. Whether you’re admiring the breathtaking views or taking a stroll, this historic landmark is a treasure that has withstood the test of time.
The Past History of Cromer Pier
New lifeboats launched at Cromer
Watch British Pathé's 1937 archive footage of lifeboats being launched from Cromer Pier by Home Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare.
celebrating 125 years
Cromer Pier through the years
Cromer Pier boasts a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the 14th century. With centuries of stories and experiences woven into its structure, this iconic landmark is not just a pier but a vibrant testament to the town's evolution and maritime heritage.
1582
Cromer begins exporting goods
In 1582 Queen Elizabeth I granted the townspeople of Cromer the right to export wheat, barley and malt to permit the maintenance of their town and the rebuilding of the jetty.
Image credit: Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1846 to 1890
Cromer's last wooden jetty
The last wooden jetty was constructed in 1846, slightly longer at 240 feet (73 metres) and popular for promenading with a keeper hired to maintain order. Ladies were not allowed on it after 9pm. Like the jetties before it, this one was also destroyed - damaged in 1890 by heavy seas, it was dismantled and the wood sold for £40.
Photo credit: Photochrom Print Collection, Creative Commons
1905
Pavillion Theatre is born
The pier’s original glass shelters were roofed over in 1905 to create a pavilion, and an earlier bandstand gave way to a stage and proscenium arch – the Pavilion Theatre was born.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1391
Early history
Cromer Pier’s history stretches back to 1391, when a wooden jetty was built in the town close to where the current pier is located. It appears to have been maintained until 1580 according to historic letters granting the right to levy duties for repairs.
1822 to 1843
Cromer jetty rebuilt
Fast forward to 1822 and a new 210 foot (64 metre) jetty was built, made from cast iron by Hase of Saxthorpe it was washed away in 1843.
Image credit: © Norfolk Museums Service
1901
Current pier built
The Cromer Protection Commissioners decided a fashionable new structure was required and under the Cromer Protection Act of 1899 the current pier was built. It opened on 8 June 1901, cost £17,000 to construct and was an impressive 450 feet (140 metres) long.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1993
Cromer Pier cut in two
On 14 November 1993 a 100-ton barge crashed into it cutting off both the Pavilion Theatre and the lifeboat station.
2026
Cromer Pier today
The pier is a significant focus for culture, tourism and heritage in North Norfolk, acting as driver to the local economy with its fame and reputation reaching far beyond the county of Norfolk. Today the Pavilion Theatre is host to the world’s only full-season End of the Pier Show. With more than 230 performances each year, around 75,000 visitors enjoy the mixture of variety, dance, comedy and magic acts.
celebrating 125 years
Cromer Pier through the years
Cromer Pier boasts a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the 14th century. With centuries of stories and experiences woven into its structure, this iconic landmark is not just a pier but a vibrant testament to the town's evolution and maritime heritage.
1391
Early history
Cromer Pier’s history stretches back to 1391, when a wooden jetty was built in the town close to where the current pier is located. It appears to have been maintained until 1580 according to historic letters granting the right to levy duties for repairs.
1582
Cromer begins exporting goods
In 1582 Queen Elizabeth I granted the townspeople of Cromer the right to export wheat, barley and malt to permit the maintenance of their town and the rebuilding of the jetty.
Image credit: Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1822 to 1843
Cromer jetty rebuilt
Fast forward to 1822 and a new 210 foot (64 metre) jetty was built, made from cast iron by Hase of Saxthorpe it was washed away in 1843.
Image credit: © Norfolk Museums Service
1846 to 1890
Cromer's last wooden jetty
The last wooden jetty was constructed in 1846, slightly longer at 240 feet (73 metres) and popular for promenading with a keeper hired to maintain order. Ladies were not allowed on it after 9pm. Like the jetties before it, this one was also destroyed - damaged in 1890 by heavy seas, it was dismantled and the wood sold for £40.
Photo credit: Photochrom Print Collection, Creative Commons
1901
Current pier built
The Cromer Protection Commissioners decided a fashionable new structure was required and under the Cromer Protection Act of 1899 the current pier was built. It opened on 8 June 1901, cost £17,000 to construct and was an impressive 450 feet (140 metres) long.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1905
Pavillion Theatre is born
The pier’s original glass shelters were roofed over in 1905 to create a pavilion, and an earlier bandstand gave way to a stage and proscenium arch – the Pavilion Theatre was born.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1993
Cromer Pier cut in two
On 14 November 1993 a 100-ton barge crashed into it cutting off both the Pavilion Theatre and the lifeboat station.
2026
Cromer Pier today
The pier is a significant focus for culture, tourism and heritage in North Norfolk, acting as driver to the local economy with its fame and reputation reaching far beyond the county of Norfolk. Today the Pavilion Theatre is host to the world’s only full-season End of the Pier Show. With more than 230 performances each year, around 75,000 visitors enjoy the mixture of variety, dance, comedy and magic acts.
celebrating 125 years
Cromer Pier through the years
Cromer Pier boasts a fascinating history that stretches all the way back to the 14th century. With centuries of stories and experiences woven into its structure, this iconic landmark is not just a pier but a vibrant testament to the town's evolution and maritime heritage.
1391
Early history
Cromer Pier’s history stretches back to 1391, when a wooden jetty was built in the town close to where the current pier is located. It appears to have been maintained until 1580 according to historic letters granting the right to levy duties for repairs.
1582
Cromer begins exporting goods
In 1582 Queen Elizabeth I granted the townspeople of Cromer the right to export wheat, barley and malt to permit the maintenance of their town and the rebuilding of the jetty.
Image credit: Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
1822 to 1843
Cromer jetty rebuilt
Fast forward to 1822 and a new 210 foot (64 metre) jetty was built, made from cast iron by Hase of Saxthorpe it was washed away in 1843.
Image credit: © Norfolk Museums Service
1846 to 1890
Cromer's last wooden jetty
The last wooden jetty was constructed in 1846, slightly longer at 240 feet (73 metres) and popular for promenading with a keeper hired to maintain order. Ladies were not allowed on it after 9pm. Like the jetties before it, this one was also destroyed - damaged in 1890 by heavy seas, it was dismantled and the wood sold for £40.
Photo credit: Photochrom Print Collection, Creative Commons
1901
Current pier built
The Cromer Protection Commissioners decided a fashionable new structure was required and under the Cromer Protection Act of 1899 the current pier was built. It opened on 8 June 1901, cost £17,000 to construct and was an impressive 450 feet (140 metres) long.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1905
Pavillion Theatre is born
The pier’s original glass shelters were roofed over in 1905 to create a pavilion, and an earlier bandstand gave way to a stage and proscenium arch – the Pavilion Theatre was born.
Image credit: © Cromer Museum
1993
Cromer Pier cut in two
On 14 November 1993 a 100-ton barge crashed into it cutting off both the Pavilion Theatre and the lifeboat station.
2026
Cromer Pier today
The pier is a significant focus for culture, tourism and heritage in North Norfolk, acting as driver to the local economy with its fame and reputation reaching far beyond the county of Norfolk. Today the Pavilion Theatre is host to the world’s only full-season End of the Pier Show. With more than 230 performances each year, around 75,000 visitors enjoy the mixture of variety, dance, comedy and magic acts.
Celebrating 125 years
Pier Present
Cromer Pier today is a significant focus for culture, tourism and heritage in North Norfolk, acting as driver to the local economy with its fame and reputation reaching far beyond the county of Norfolk.
Find out moreCelebrating 125 years
Pier Future
North Norfolk District Council has owned the pier since its formation in 1974, and manages a programme of maintenance and repairs to ensure the pier has a secure future, despite the challenging environment it sits in.
Find out more
The pier is owned and managed by North Norfolk District Council, and as proud guardians of this historic landmark NNDC is working with partners across Norfolk to celebrate the Pier’s extraordinary story throughout 2026.