PETER Sykes of Swanage said the postcard of Bournemouth Pier entrance printed on February 6 shows the Victorian iron pier, including the ornate cast iron, three turret pier entrance, designed by Eugenius Birch which opened in 1880.

The four faced clock on the turret was presented to the borough in 1882 by the Liberal MP for Christchurch, Horace Davey.

The building behind the pier entrance at the foot of what was then known as South Cliff, is the Bournemouth Club which had direct access to the beach until the West Undercliff promenade was constructed.

The building was later demolished and the Oceanarium is on the site today.