Disasters on the Severn

The River Severn rises in the Cambrian Mountains, 600m above sea level and runs 330km to the Bristol Channel. It is Britain's longest river and one of the most dangerous. Possibly most famous for its Bore and impressive tidal range, the river has been the scene of many an accident and mystery, including the discovery of a human torso off Haw bridge in 1938!

In his talk on Disasters on the Severn, Chris Witts, an experienced navigator of the river and acknowledged expert on the Bore, has compiled a fascinating catalogue of such incidents. As well as recounting historical crises, such as the horrific flood of 1606 and the problems in constructing (and removing) various connections across and under the river. He also talks of his personal experiences of difficulty, panic and loss on the river.

The talk is a record of the tribulations of man trying to harness the powers of this great waterway and the perils risked by living alongside it. For a river named after the illegitimate daughter of the King of Loegria who was killed in its waters, it has witnessed more than its fair share of misfortune and misery.

To Book This Talk

chri...@severntales.co.uk

or write to:
Chris Witts
15 Riversley Road
Gloucester
GL2 0QU
tel/fax: [01452] 526202

Chris Witts

• The Mighty Severn Bore
• My Life on the Severn
• Talk Details: How to Book, etc

• The Mighty Severn Bore
• Disasters on the Severn
• A Century of Bridges
• Tales of the River Severn
• Along the Severn Source to Sea
• Gloucester A History & Celebration
• Walk Around Historic Gloucester ...New

Copyright on all material shown on this page [2000]

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