Roker Pier has a tunnel throughout and a lighthouse on the end!
It is a pure triumph of engineering.
Built between 1885 and 1903, for over a hundred years, Roker Pier and Lighthouse has protected the entrance into Sunderland’s harbour. It is one of Sunderland’s most iconic landmarks.
Built when Sunderland was a major port, Roker Pier & Lighthouse was designed by Henry Hay Wake.
By the end of the 19th century, Sunderland harbour had grown from a small, treacherous natural inlet to one of the largest coal shipping ports in the UK – with an estimated 15,000 tons of coal being transported each day! However, much of the original harbour fabric was already nearly 100 years old and had fallen into the sea. The proposed solution was to erect a new outer harbour, with two curving piers which would encompass the river mouth and the existing old harbour fabric, creating 125 acres of protected water for shipping. Roker pier – the north arm of the outer harbour – was the first to be built, the foundation stone being laid on the 14th September 1885.
It’s a grade II listed pier complex
The pier extends 2000ft out to sea and they had to sink massive foundations to bear the weight of the superstructure. To do this, they used a huge suction pump, called ‘The Sandrail’ to suck sand from the seabed. Then they built upon the exposed bedrock to create a stable base.
Enormous bags of concrete were then laid moved into position by the ‘Concrete’, a depositing barge, also patented by Mr. Wake. The barge was capable of carrying and depositing 116 ton bags of concrete each trip. Dropped dry, they reacted with the seawater and solidified in situ.
The lighthouse itself was started in 1902, and stands 138ft high. It is constructed of grey and red Aberdeen granite, an ingenuous way of incorporating the traditional red and white lighthouse stripes without incurring the costs of re-painting!
The original lantern was gas powered and emitted a 45,000 candlepower reflected beam, which was reputedly visible for over 15 miles out to sea!
In 2012, extensive restoration of the pier, tunnel and lighthouse began funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council. Later this year the tunnel and lighthouse will be opened to the public for guided tours for the first time in the structure’s history.
Many of the piers original fixtures and fittings are preserved including railings, lamp standards, surfaces, rails and dedication stones. A wonderful range of original features are also preserved within the lighthouse interior, including tidal gauge, parquet flooring, blue Stoke-on-Trent tiles and wooden panelling; although sadly a bronze handrail which once ran the whole height of the building was recently stolen.
Once the restoration is complete the tunnel and lighthouse will be opened to the public for the first time in the structure’s history – yay!
Tours will explore the incredible history behind the construction of Roker Pier and the people involved. Visitors will be guided through the unique experience of walking the length of the pier tunnel before climbing steps to the top of the lighthouse to take in the incredible views.
Check out the dedicated website for the pier, tunnel and lighthouse – HERE!
Roker, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Roker Pier has a tunnel throughout and a lighthouse on the end!
It is a pure triumph of engineering.
Built between 1885 and 1903, for over a hundred years, Roker Pier and Lighthouse has protected the entrance into Sunderland’s harbour. It is one of Sunderland’s most iconic landmarks.
Built when Sunderland was a major port, Roker Pier & Lighthouse was designed by Henry Hay Wake.
By the end of the 19th century, Sunderland harbour had grown from a small, treacherous natural inlet to one of the largest coal shipping ports in the UK – with an estimated 15,000 tons of coal being transported each day! However, much of the original harbour fabric was already nearly 100 years old and had fallen into the sea. The proposed solution was to erect a new outer harbour, with two curving piers which would encompass the river mouth and the existing old harbour fabric, creating 125 acres of protected water for shipping. Roker pier – the north arm of the outer harbour – was the first to be built, the foundation stone being laid on the 14th September 1885.
It’s a grade II listed pier complex
The pier extends 2000ft out to sea and they had to sink massive foundations to bear the weight of the superstructure. To do this, they used a huge suction pump, called ‘The Sandrail’ to suck sand from the seabed. Then they built upon the exposed bedrock to create a stable base.
Enormous bags of concrete were then laid moved into position by the ‘Concrete’, a depositing barge, also patented by Mr. Wake. The barge was capable of carrying and depositing 116 ton bags of concrete each trip. Dropped dry, they reacted with the seawater and solidified in situ.
The lighthouse itself was started in 1902, and stands 138ft high. It is constructed of grey and red Aberdeen granite, an ingenuous way of incorporating the traditional red and white lighthouse stripes without incurring the costs of re-painting!
The original lantern was gas powered and emitted a 45,000 candlepower reflected beam, which was reputedly visible for over 15 miles out to sea!
In 2012, extensive restoration of the pier, tunnel and lighthouse began funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council. Later this year the tunnel and lighthouse will be opened to the public for guided tours for the first time in the structure’s history.
Many of the piers original fixtures and fittings are preserved including railings, lamp standards, surfaces, rails and dedication stones. A wonderful range of original features are also preserved within the lighthouse interior, including tidal gauge, parquet flooring, blue Stoke-on-Trent tiles and wooden panelling; although sadly a bronze handrail which once ran the whole height of the building was recently stolen.
Once the restoration is complete the tunnel and lighthouse will be opened to the public for the first time in the structure’s history – yay!
Tours will explore the incredible history behind the construction of Roker Pier and the people involved. Visitors will be guided through the unique experience of walking the length of the pier tunnel before climbing steps to the top of the lighthouse to take in the incredible views.
Check out the dedicated website for the pier, tunnel and lighthouse – HERE!
Roker, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
