The Pier

The Pier is a harbour pier located in Clovelly, built for George Cary, who lived from 1543 to 1601. It has likely undergone numerous repairs over the centuries and was lengthened in 1826. A concrete breakwater was added in the 20th century. The structure is made of rubble, primarily consisting of large, roughly-dressed blocks that were likely gathered from the nearby shoreline and cliffs. The walls feature distinct battening.

The pier has a single curving arm with two and three tiers, with the higher face facing the sea. The tiers are topped with stone and concrete pavements. On the harbour side, there are two pairs of stone stairs leading down to sea level, along with two additional flights of stone steps that ascend to the top tier. Wooden baulks are set upright on the harbour side to serve as rubbing strips for boats.

At the seaward end, the pier has a cambered shape and features a late 19th-century navigation light mounted on an iron post with a railed crows nest. Three ancient cannons, believed to be from the Armada, are set upright in the wall and serve as bollards for securing boats. A spit of concrete was added to reinforce the seaward side around 1985. This pier is noted as the only safe harbour between Appledore and Boscastle. According to historical sources, George Cary built the pier at his own expense to protect against the sea's encroachment.