West Pier

Did You Know?
Information from the original 1994 'My Brighton' exhibit

West Pier attractions
Among the first attractions of the West Pier was a minature cannon fired exactly at noon by the action of the sun's rays, reflected by a burning glass. Other attractions were the skull of a whale washed ashored in January 1882 and in 1890 a performing flea circus, which was decribed as 'highly amusing and instructive'.

Between the wars
Between the wars the West Pier was used by day trippers to and from France - and even had resident customs officials.

Location of a film
In 1968 the West Pier was used for filming in Richard Attenborough's directing debut, 'Oh! What A lovely War!'

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments about this page

In 1988 a film was made called 'Fruit Machine' where two gay teenagers run away to Brighton after seeing a murder. One of the teenagers spends a lot of time at the Dolphinarium. The film also contains scenes filmed in the West Pier concert hall. More information can be found at http://www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton/youth/faq.htm#videos and at http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0095183/
By Iain Gowers (16/03/2004)
Another film is 'Carry on Girls' with Sid James, about a seaside trip, filmed on the West Pier.
By David (19/10/2004)
Some parts of QUADROPHENIA were also filmed in Brighton, including a view of the West Pier in the early morning.
By Nils (13/11/2004)
The fortune tellers booth: My mother told me the other day she went to the West Pier in the 50s to visit Madame Binnie. Madame Binnie told her she would meet a tall dark man who would make her laugh, she would be married within the year and later have a girl and a boy. As she left she warned her to be careful of stairs. Mum remembers being very cynical as she was not at all interested in marriage, however the very next day she fell top to bottom on the stairs at Waterloo station. After this she met my father (tall and funny!), they fell madly in love and married within three months. They then had me followed by my brother! Interestingly enough Madame Binnie's booth is the only remaining intact structure on the skeleton of the pier. Does anyone else know of any stories of Madame Binnie, maybe she has some relatives who can shed some light? What an amazing woman!
By Helen Goss (16/01/2005)

For Helen Goss regarding your posting about Madame Binny: I am Sarah, her grand daughter. I hope you are still checking this site!

By Sarah (17/11/2007)

Sarah, it was lovely to see your response, so glad you saw it. I wonder did you inherit the gift at all? Best wishes.

By Helen Goss (04/02/2008)

Helen, yes,  her daughter (my mother) certainly did inherit the gift and I have my moments! I am the proud possessor of Binny's crystal ball which occupies pride of place. I don't know if you are aware that she died tragically quite 'young'. I am so pleased you saw my reply!

By Sarah (09/02/2008)

As a pupil at Hove Grammar School I worked in the "Captain's Cabin" bar on the West Pier at weekends and throughout my school holidays in 1968. Although I was only 16 I was asked to serve drinks whenever the bar was particularly busy which was fairly frequent. I met many of the stars during the filming of "Oh What a Lovely War" including Richard Attenborough and Joe Melia who was one of the nicest guys I've ever met and appeared to play many parts in the final cut. He spent literally ages trying to explain the forthcoming decimilization to me. Another great friend was "Professor" Pat Cullen the palmist. The bar often had impromptu performances and I remember Bill Tarling the Pier Manager asking for everyone's attention as the "Great Omani" devoured a wine glass that I'd just handed to him! I've seen a fabulous photograph of the West Pier at night elsewhere on this link which was just as I remember it when working long hot summer evenings at the Olde Tyme Music Hall..........It was truly magical!

By Alan Scarratt (30/08/2009)

Re Alan Scarratt. I remember Bill Tarling well. He was also manager of a hotel in one of the well-to-do squares, but I can't remember its name. He also used to drink with me and a guy called Stanley Dee from Bloomsbury in London. We used to stay at what was then the Marine Hotel around 1962/3/4. I used to be able to park my car almost outside the hotel. There was a bar on the end of the West Pier (Captains Cabin?) and we would have a few beers in there with Bill. Happy, happy days and far removed from the Brighton of today. Great story Alan. All the best.

By Don Prescott (14/10/2011)

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