Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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Open Letter to Mr G Player and The Directors of Ryde Pier Co 1817

From The Morning Chronicle (London, England), Wednesday, 17 September 1817

TO MR G PLAYER AND THE REST OF THE DIRECTORS OF RYDE PIER

GENTLEMEN, Ryde, Isle of Wight

When you recollect what a heavy tax you exact from the Public for the use of your Pier, I think it but right that the confidence of that Public should meet with a little more attention.

I pass over at present the great difficulty there was in persuading you to erect a covered bench for the accommodation of invalids – and the present slippery and dangerous landing at the lower part. I know you are privileged by your Act of Parliament to collect the full toll, although your pier is in so unfinished a state. Surely, then you are bound in justice to make it as convenient as you can. But my reason for addressing you now is, to complain that your lamp at the Pier’s end is never lighted; or if it is – it soon goes out. Whether this be negligence or economy I know not. I have twice, with my friends, been seriously inconvenienced in landing in the night, and the last time our landing was accomplished with difficulty – not to say danger. If this public notice does not remedy the evil, at least it will act as a warning to those who are detained late at sea.

Yours etc.
A CONSTANT VISITOR.