Penarth Pier - Wales Pillow

Gales in May 1947 forced the 7,000 ton ship, 'Port Royal Park', onto the pier, causing severe damage. Repairs costing £28,000, included underpinning of the cast iron columns and the installation of new reinforced concrete columns. The pier re-opened in 1950. In August 1966, the paddle steamer 'Bristol Queen', operated by the White Funnel line, also collided with the pier in dense fog, again causing serious damage. Cruises on the White Funnel fleet, owned by the famous Bristol based P & A Cambell Ltd, ceased operating in 1981 and over the years, this trade has dwindled with the commercial shipping companies having now all disappeared. However, two ships, the MV Balmoral and PS Waverley, operated by the Paddle Steamer Preservation So...