Snake Pit under Skegness Pier

Written by Angela Gooch on September 10th, 2007 in Bizarre, Entertainment, Human Interest, People, Social History, Tourist Attractions.

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Source: Skegness News 2nd July 1952
Photo: Walfred Photography Skegness

A bizarre news article which reveals that there was a snake pit underneath the pier in Skegness. in the 1950s.

The photo shows Prince Bahram Khan holding a deadly American Timber rattle snake with his wife shrinking back from it. There are onlookers in the background but these people are merely shaddows as if the camera flash has not been strong enough to illuminate them. The setting seems to be in a room with large windows in the background.

The newspaper article tells us that there were 75 snakes under the pier. Python cobras, vipers and boas.

Prince Bahram Khan holds a deadly American timber rattlesnake in a vice-like grip which prevents the reptile from turning its poisonous fangs on its captor.
This Walfred photograph shows Bahram Khan giving a demonstration with his wife, Sakena, while a number of patrons look on with interest and amazement, in the “Snake Pit” under Skegness Pier, where Sakena gives daily demonstrations.
No fewer than 75 snakes, including a python, and a boa constrictor, king cobras and rustle vipers are featured in the demonstrations for which a great deal of educational interest is claimed.

snake pit under Skegness pier