SOUTHEND Pier has undergone numerous changes since being built in 1830, but it is still standing despite a host of accidents.

From Victorian promenades to glamorous concert parties, Southend Pier has seen it all over the decades.

Southend is known for having the world’s longest pleasure pier, which was achieved thanks to the Prince George extension – which was opened by the man himself – being built in 1929.

The seaside town’s most famous landmark has been engulfed in flames and even had to contend with boat crashes, but it still welcomes tourists from around the world.

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Rolling back the years - how the pier head looked in 1905

These snaps from the Echo archive show how the mile-long attraction has developed over the years and how the public acted before social distancing was a thing.

Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our ‘We grew up in Essex’ Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.

Scroll down to see more photographs of the iconic Southend Pier.

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Broke a world record - the Prince George extension was opened by HRH Prince George in 1929, meaning it became the longest pleasure pier in the world

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Drawing daytrippers - Southend Pier remains a popular tourist attraction, although the pandemic has limited visitors

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How it looks now - Southend Pier’s trains are popular with daytrippers and returned in July after being out of use since the start of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown

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Sit and relax - Sir John Betjeman on Southend Pier in February 1980

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Wreckage - the Southend Pier boathouse was demolished by explosives in June 1986

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Before social distancing existed - crowds gather on Southend Pier in 1965

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Train tracks - daytrippers admire the view along Southend Pier in 1980

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Enjoying their time on the seafront - basking in the sun on Southend Pier in 1980

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Going down - the Southend Pier gift shop looks like it has seen better days