Frederick Hester : A brief history in pictures - Page 20 : The Pier
Loading at the Jetty / Pier
Frederick Hester dreamed to rival Southend-on-Sea by building a two and a half kilometer two-storey Pier which he planned would reach the Chapman Lighthouse. The Photo above shows his pier with a Thames Barge unloading materials onto a small locomotive that ferried the materials to shore - Frederick certainly planned on joining the Pier with his railway that ended in this area. Marlboro House, the first building the Hester's built on Canvey, can be seen on the far left.
The Pier at Shell Beach
Here again is Frederick's Pier which was opposite the now Westcliff Gardens. Only 122 metres were built and it was later dismantled and replaced by the Chapman Yacht Club Jetty. Remains can still be seen at low tide HERE.