The Royal Eagle and Moelfre Rose alongside Southend Pier, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) long. It was designed by James Brunlees and built in 1889, although much of the superstructure dates from the 20th century. A year after the pier opened, an electric tramway was installed.

Shortly after this photograph was taken, the pier was closed to visitors due to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Historic England Archive EPW062734