Construction of Roker Pier began in 1885. Although the site foundation was natural rock it was covered in sand which needed to be removed. The sand was removed by suction facilities on board the vessel , aptly named " The Sandrail".
This is a model of the 50 ton Radial Block-setting Crane that was used to build Roker Pier which was made in 2010 by Fred Gooch.
Dry mix concrete was lowered onto the rock bed in 56 ton and 116 ton bags to set making up the foundation to a level just above low tide mark. Then granite block were laid using a radial crane.
The tunnel which runs through the pier can be clearly seen in this photograph.
This huge hydraulic 290 ton crane helped lay the foundation
blocks for the pier on top of the natural rock outcrop.
blocks for the pier on top of the natural rock outcrop.
This is a model of the 50 ton Radial Block-setting Crane that was used to build Roker Pier which was made in 2010 by Fred Gooch.
The blocks used in the construction of Roker Pier weighed up to 56 tons were laid by this huge crane named Goliath which was designed by engineer Henry Hay Wake.
A feature in sunderlands skyline until September 1903, some 18 years later, when this magnificent breakwater was completed with the final bill reaching £290,000.
