The Palace Pier opened in 1899, constructed as a replacement for the Chain Pier, which collapsed in 1896 during construction. It quickly became popular, and had become a frequently-visited theatre and entertainment venue by 1911.

‘I loved going on the two piers. Brighton Palace Pier was my favourite; the West Pier was more for the adults to enjoy. In those days you had to pay to go onto the piers. The Palace Pier had more machines to play on, at a penny a go. I don’t remember ever winning any money on these machines. Some of the machines had flicking, moving pictures which was very exciting especially one called ‘What the Butler Saw’. I did not really understand the story it was telling, but found the adults were laughing, especially the ladies who giggled when viewing this machine.’

In the early 1920s, the paddle steamers, The Devonia and The Waverly would take passengers on voyages from the Palace Pier. For an outlay of five shillings (25p) you could take a trip to Ryde, Isle of Wight. For 14s 6d, good sailors feeling confident of keeping well could take a cross-channel trip to Boulogne.

‘There was a palmist and a stunt-man, who dived through flames into the sea. There was a tearoom and an orchestra, a family show in the theatre, and ballroom dancing behind screens at the end of the Palace Pier, near the jetty where the paddlesteamers came in. On rare occasions Dad took us all on the steamer to Eastbourne or the Isle of Wight, and I still remember the excitement of clattering down the iron steps of the landing stage, with the siren sounding full blast. I found seats for the family but could never stay in mine for long. I was up at the rail, or down below watching the shiny turning paddles, with Dad trailing behind to keep an eye on me.’

Continue East to Sealife Brighton (the Aquarium).