Storm Event

The greatest tide that ever was remembered in England to have been in this river, all Whitehall having been drowned

Severity ? 3

Source

Brooks and Glasspoole (1928) reported that the tide in the Thames estuary rose 16.5 ft above the Ordinance datum at the time – the highest tide on record before the rebuilding of Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars bridge, in 1862 and 1869 respectively. They hypothesised that the height of the high tide was likely due to a combination of circumstances, as it was not exceeded for over 200 years (Brooks and Glasspoole, 1928; Brazel, 1968).

Pathway

No known sources of information.

Receptor and Consequence

Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary for 7th December 1663 that the tide in the River Thames caused Whitehall to be inundated (Monday 7 December 1663, 2006).

Summary Table

Loss of life *
Residential property All of Whitehall submerged
Evacuation & Rescue *
 
Cost *
Ports *
Transport *
Energy *
Public services *
Water & wastewater *
Livestock *
Agricultural land *
 
Coastal erosion *
Natural environment *
Cultural heritage *
Coastal defences *

*No known sources of information available

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References

  1. Brooks, C. E. P. and Glasspoole, J. (1928). British Floods and Droughts. London: Ernest Benn, 199pp.
  2. Brooks, C. E. P. and Glasspoole, J. (1928). British Floods and Droughts. London: Ernest Benn, 199pp.
  3. Brazell, J. H. (1968). London weather. London: H. M. S. O
  4. Monday 7 December 1663. (2006). Available at: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1663/12/07/ (Accessed: 4 September 2018).