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RIVER SEVERN FLOODS

NOTABLE SEVERN FLOODS

Floods are nothing new. The Romans protected their forts at Caersws and Forden by building embankments, but still the river rose over the bank. People living alongside the river have always accepted that they would suffer from the floods each year. Some parishes, like Minsterworth and Arlingham, Glos., would use some of the church funds to pay for flood defence walls, but with no permanent effect.


Spring tides, or the Bore as it is commonly known, have a dramatic effect on the river when there is freshwater running. The incoming tide from the sea meets the freshwater at Gloucester and causes the river to rise a few feet and then to flood. To relieve the worst of the floods, the river has been

artificially widened for 7 miles below Gloucester.


Haw Bridge Inn during summer level

Haw Bridge Inn during flooding

During the late 18th century England and Wales suffered 30 years of rain.

A similar weather pattern to which we have today!

The 1940s proved to be an interesting decade. Records broken regarding great floods, great frosts and great droughts.


It is not unknown for the Severn to ice over to a depth of nine inches for a length between fifty and one hundred miles. Sudden thaws then send massive ice flows pounding into bridges, as it did against Buildwas bridge in 1795.

Photomarine . Sharpness Shipping . Links . Gloucester Shipyard



sabrina Notable Severn Floods.pdf

Sunset over a flooded River Severn

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