East Pier Old Pier Vincent'S Pier West Pier

The piers known as the Old Pier, Vincent's Pier, East Pier, and West Pier are significant structures that form the Old Harbour and East Harbour. The oldest, the Old Pier, dates back to the second half of the 13th century but was in a ruinous state by 1565-66 when Queen Elizabeth granted funds for its reconstruction, which included later restorations. It is constructed of massive stone rubble with timber shearings, and parts have been refaced. Vincent's Pier was built shortly after 1732, also using massive stone rubble with timber shearings, and it features a lighthouse. The East Pier was constructed between approximately 1790 and 1812, creating the East Harbour, and is made of massive stone blocks set on a curve, with a sea wall. The West Pier was started in 1817 as a southern enclosing arm for the Old Harbour, built with similar massive stone blocks to those of the East Pier. There are also late 19th-century structures including the Harbour Master's office and fish sheds.