Clacton celebrates milestone 150th anniversary

Civil engineer Peter Bruff bought 50 acres of land in 1865 to found the new town of Clacton-on-Sea as a high-class seaside resort

The pier - the first building to be built in the new town - was opened in 1871 and the first ship landed on July 18 - a date which is seen as the town’s unofficial birthday.

To mark the anniversary there is a year-long National Heritage Lottery Fund project, which includes the installation of a heritage trail, from Jaywick to Holland Haven, charting the history of the town.

The trail encourages people to learn about what was in the area before building of the town began, how the resort grew during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, and some notable landmarks.

It was officially opened on Friday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Tendring Council chairman Jeff Bray and historians Roger Kennell and Richard Walker.

Read more >> Can you spot yourself in our pictures on Colchester Carnival in the 90s?

Mr Bray said: “The Clacton 150 trail is eye-catching in its colour, and the pictures and information on the boards are really interesting to read.

“Along the way there’s something for everyone, whether you want to re-live a trip to Butlin’s or you’re intrigued by some of the characters who helped to shape the town to what it is today.”

Alex Porter, Tendring councillor responsible for leisure and tourism, is equally pleased with how the trail has turned out.

He added: “It has been fascinating to learn about Clacton’s history, and I would recommend everyone takes time to read the information boards.

“There is so much going on in Clacton, and the whole of Tendring, this summer, so why not come and make the most of all the Essex Sunshine Coast has to offer?”

Clacton Local History Society is also hosting an exhibition celebrating the anniversary, which has opened today on the ground floor of Clacton Library.

The exhibition will explain the origins of the new town and there will be displays on different aspects of life in Clacton over the last 150 years.

Read more >> Dedicated Sue says goodbye to Scouting group in Colchester after 35 years

It shows changes during that period with boards on subjects such as the growth of the town, the beach, shops, entertainments, the pier, the pavilion, hotels and restaurants, Butlin’s and major events.

The exhibition, opened by Clacton’s last Punch and Judy professor, Peter Batte, will remain open throughout the summer.

Norman Jacob, of the Clacton Local History Society, said: “It is hard to think that Clacton only came into existence 150 years ago and before that the town simply did not exist and was just farmland.

“That a brand new seaside resort was created from nothing was all down to the foresight of one man, engineer and entrepreneur, Peter Bruff.

“Clacton-on-Sea has, of course, had its ups and downs in those 150 years and maybe it is hard to think now that it was once one of the leading seaside resorts in the country that could be spoken of in the same breath as the likes of Blackpool and Brighton.

“The exhibition at Clacton Library is our attempt to show how it all started and how Clacton-on-Sea has developed and grown over those 150 years.”

Clacton Pier will also be celebrating its anniversary in a few weeks’ time to mark 150 years of its official opening on July 27.

The landmark is now run by Billy and Elliot Ball, who fulfilled a dream when they took over the attraction back in 2009, having been involved in the leisure and hospitality industry in the area.

Although the pier dates back to 1871 and parts of the original structure are still standing, major improvements have taken place and it has been greatly modernised in recent years.

An eye-catching big wheel, for example, which has been installed to commemorate the town’s birthday, has recently been unveiled.

Other new rides have also been introduced and eight free fireworks extravaganzas – six of which will take place each week of the school summer holidays - are planned to mark the occasion.

Director Billy Ball believes the pier has played a major and integral part in the town’s history over the past 150 years.

He said: “My brother, Elliot, and I are the current custodians of this iconic seaside attraction and are fully aware of the responsibility this entails.

“We proudly follow in the footsteps of a number of previous owners – the most significant of which were the Kingsmans – and everyone has played their part in maintaining the pier for the enjoyment of many generations.

“Clacton Pier has always played a significant role in the community – and supporting the community and the health of the town has always been closely linked with the pier and vice versa.

“We are sure that the town’s popularity will continue to thrive for another 150 years and beyond.”

Clacton Pavilion boss Billy Peak has also played his part in bringing elements of the resort’s golden years into the current day.

Since taking over the historic Pavilion site 28 years, Mr Peak has gradually helped to transform what was a somewhat run-down and depleted area.

It now boasts a popular bowling alley, fun park, water park, restaurant, and a fancy al fresco dining space.

Like Clacton Pier, the Pavilion also now has its own 30-metre observation wheel to celebrate Clacton’s impressive milestone anniversary.

They are also launching a special 150th anniversary-inspired cocktail featuring a mix of vodka, Pernod, grenadine and a touch of lemonade and is garnished with a lemon wheel and candy floss.

Mr Peak said: “The Pavilion has for decades provided entertainment and fun for residents and visitors.

“We have brought the Pavilion into the 21th century and hopefully we will be able to carry on doing that for the next 150 years.

“We are proud of what we have done with the Pavillion and delighted to be able to help to mark Clacton’s 150th anniversary.”