The Pier

CLOVELLY CLOVELLY SS 3124

11/15 The Pier

20.2.58

GV II

Harbour pier. For George Cary (1543-1601). Probably repaired on many occasions over the centuries, lengthened in 1826, C20 concrete breakwater. Rubble, mainly in massive roughly-dressed blocks, probably mostly gathered from along the shoreline and cliffs, walls with distinct batten. A single curving arm in 2 and 3 tiers, the high face to seaward, the tiers capped with stone and concrete pavements; on the harbour side 2 pairs of stone stairs down to sea level, 2 further flights of stone steps up to the top tier. On the harbour side baulks of wood set upright forming rubbing strips for boats. Cambered end to sea with circa late C19 navigation light on iron post with railed crows nest. 3 ancient canons set upright into the wall to form bollards for hitching boats reputedly from the Armada. Spit of concrete reinforcing the seaward side, set up circa 1985. The only safe harbour between Appledore and Boscastle. "George Cary of this place Esquire, in the last Age at his own charges built a pile or pier to resist the inrushing of the sea." Source: W G Hoskins, Devon, P370.

Listing NGR: SS3187424912