Southend given city status - in Pictures

  • Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has agreed that Southend will be given city status after the killing of campaigning local MP Sir David Amess. All photos by getty Images
    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has agreed that Southend will be given city status after the killing of campaigning local MP Sir David Amess. All photos by getty Images
  • Southend is home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, at 2.15 kilometres.
    Southend is home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, at 2.15 kilometres.
  • A crowd enjoys the pier in 1909. In 1829, the foundation stone of the first section of the pier was laid. By the following year, a 180-metre wooden pier had been opened.
    A crowd enjoys the pier in 1909. In 1829, the foundation stone of the first section of the pier was laid. By the following year, a 180-metre wooden pier had been opened.
  • There have been fires over the years, causing damage to the pier. The most recent was in October 2005.
    There have been fires over the years, causing damage to the pier. The most recent was in October 2005.
  • Crowds gather to enjoy the warm sunny weather on Jubilee beach in Southend, in May this year.
    Crowds gather to enjoy the warm sunny weather on Jubilee beach in Southend, in May this year.
  • A drawing of the Southend seaside from 1831.
    A drawing of the Southend seaside from 1831.
  • The Palace Hotel in Southend, originally named the Metropole, was once the only five-star hotel on the south-east coast.
    The Palace Hotel in Southend, originally named the Metropole, was once the only five-star hotel on the south-east coast.
  • A view of the Metropole from the pier in 1910. The Metropole was built in 1901 and had 200 bedrooms, a billiard room and a ballroom.
    A view of the Metropole from the pier in 1910. The Metropole was built in 1901 and had 200 bedrooms, a billiard room and a ballroom.