Photographs from the February 1946 floods
(photographs copyright Charles Purcell)
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In bye-gone years the most serious flood was that of the Great Flood of 1795. Most bridges along the whole length of the Severn were severely damaged and there were many collapses. Significantly, the new Iron Bridge near Coalbrookdale survived unscathed. The old Bewdley Bridge of 1483 was damaged beyond repair. A new bridge to the design of Thomas Telford was opened three years later. This is the bridge that crosses the Severn at Bewdley today. In modern times Bewdley has been subject to flooding on numerous occasions including 1910, 1925, 1946, 1947, 1963 and many other years besides. Usually, the floods have been in Spring from a quick thaw of snow. In 1946 & 1947 the waters were so high that Load Street itself was flooded. |
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Flooded properties on Severnside North. In better weather rowing boats could be hired from the pontoon on the right. |
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Charles believes this to be a photograph of him looking down Load Street towards Telford's bridge. Notice the people walking over the duck boards to get to and from the bridge. There is not a vehicle in sight. |
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Approach to Bewdley Bridge. The roof of the Garden Cinema can be seen over the river in the background. On the far side of the bridge is the Toll House. Tolls were abolished by 1891 when the County Council took over the maintenance of the bridge. The Toll House itself was not demolished until 1960. The Angel Pub sign is on the left. |
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Load Street, looking towards St Annes Church. Notice the car - and there seem to be others stranded beyond the crowd! Notice the gent (or is it a lady?) being given a piggy back on the right. And someone is bending down - adjusting socks or leaky wellies? |