Storm Event

“The whole country there for the most part turned into a standing poole, so that an intolerable multitude of men, women, and children were overwhelmed with the water”

Severity ? 6

Source

No known sources of information.

Pathway

The water overtopped its banks as ‘a very great tempest took place at sea’ (Hallam, 1965).

Receptor and Consequence

This event is associated with coastal flooding on the east coast of England, at Yarmouth, Dunwich, Ipswich, Lincolnshire and other locations (Hallam, 1965). The wind and waves had catastrophic effects: throwing down buildings, sinking 180 ships, drowning innumerable cattle and sheep, as well as men women and children (Britton, 1937). Churches were destroyed and areas including the Fens and Boston (Lincolnshire) were described as lakes or pools due to the quantity of waters that overtook them (Hallam, 1965).

Summary Table

Loss of life Many drowned
Residential property Buildings destroyed
Evacuation & Rescue *
 
Cost *
Ports *
Transport *
Energy *
Public services *
Water & wastewater *
Livestock *
Agricultural land Great numbers of cattle and sheep drowned
 
Coastal erosion *
Natural environment *
Cultural heritage *
Coastal defences *

*No known sources of information available

References

  1. Hallam, H. E. (1965). Settlement and society. A study of the early agrarian history of south Licolnshire. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  2. Britton C. E. (1937). ‘A Meteorological Chronology To A.D. 1450’. Geophysical Memoirs, 70. London: H. M. Stationary Office. 177pp.