Cleethorpes Pier Fire; a Charles Voisey picture postcard 1903.

An original, posted picture postcard published by Ernest Louis Désiré Le Deley of Paris from a photograph by Charles Voisey of London. One of their ‘Owlet Series’.

The original pavilion at the end of the full-length pier was destroyed by fire in 1903. A new pavilion was built halfway along the pier in 1905. This is now a fish and chips restaurant (2024).

The postcard was posted from Bridlington, Yorkshire in August (year not visible). The sender (name illegible) was staying at the Grosvenor Private Hotel, Bridlington Quay. The recipient was Miss Edith (‘Edie’) Robinson, 4 Grove Place, Bristol Road, Weston-Super-Mare. The message reads, “Dear Edie, I hope you like this P.P.C. I am enjoying myself.” (There is a second, upside down message from Hettie & ? in very faint pencil or it has been rubbed out.)

(Note: an Alfred James Polland and family was living at 4 Grove Place in 1911.)