Great Blizzard of March 9th and 10th in 1891 in the South Hams
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The original edition was reprinted with additions from the Kingsbridge Journal and Salcombe Times and published by Jas Fairweather. This new edition of 2002 has been entirely reset and published by the Kingsbridge History Society. 46 pages, 6 plates. Foreword by Craig Rich, BBC Spotlight Weatherman.
This is a compilation of vivid contemporary accounts of the severe blizzard which visited the South Hams in March, 1891.
When the storm hit on Monday March 9th the area was isolated from the outside world. Snow fell continuously for 36 hours blocking roads and railways alike and bringing travel to a complete halt. In some places it was 26 feet deep. Winds of hurricane force accompanied the blizzard, wreaking havoc and severing all communication. The area suffered widespread damage to property, farmers’ valuable livestock died, there was serious loss of shipping and many seafarers were drowned.
How far-reaching the storm was, can be gauged from this contemporary Western Morning News extract: “For the first time for many years we have had to go to press today without being able to present to our readers any portion of our London Letter … Last evening there was a complete cessation of all communication with London, both by rail and telegraph, and we are today in entire ignorance of what transpired after dark in any part of the world beyond Plymouth and its immediate surroundings.”
Kingsbridge Fore Street