In the 19th century, Southend was growing as a resort as people thought that spending time at the seaside was good for one's health. Since it was close to London, many Londoners would come to Southend for this reason. The coast at Southend consists of large mud flats, so the sea is never very deep even at full tide, and recedes for well over a mile at low tide. Therefore the Pier was a good idea . A campaign to build one was led by former Lord Mayor of London Sir William Heygate. So in 1829, Parliament passed an act giving authorisation for the construction of a pier at Southend. Southend is just at the mouth of the Thames about 40 mile east of London.
The Kursaal was one of the earliest theme parks, built at the start of the 20th century. It closed in the when it had been a Rock venue and much of the land was developed as housing. The entrance hall, a listed building, is now a bowling alley arcade and casino. Southend links are listed.
Southend Pier, 
Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. It extends 2,158 metres into the Thames Estuary and is the longest pleasure pier in the world.
Sir John Betjeman has a train named after him on Southend Pier. 
