History of Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-on-Sea, as we know it today, was actually designed as a 'Seaside Resort' in 1871 by a gentleman named Peter Bruff, an engineer from the 'Eastern Union Railway'.

This website is about the Renovation of the Royal Hotel in 2011 - is it an indicator of decline that it was never finished and is now for sale again? or just a victim of the recession? 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/essex/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8344000/8344488.stm


Some good local historic photographs - can you compare with the fieldwork photos? what has changed? has any of the character from Victorian Clacton been retained?
http://www.francisfrith.com/clacton-on-sea/photos/

Although this website primarily focuses on Whales and Dolphins - there is an excellent range of historical photographs of the pier, and how it has changed.
http://www.clactondolphins.co.uk/Pages/pier-history-page.html


A useful page regarding the building of the Pier by Peter Bruff
http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=199