31 January 2023 marks 70 years since a major flood devastated communities on Lincolnshire’s east coast. A new exhibition at the North Sea Observatory looks back on those tragic events.
Forty-three people lost their lives in the floods as the water surged as far as two miles inland. The most seriously affected areas were Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Skegness.
To mark the 70th anniversary of this event, a collection of photographs, newspaper articles and even local children’s schoolwork from the time are to go on display at the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards.
The exhibition is free to visit and will be on display from 31 January until the end of February 2023.
Reports from 1953 say that a combination of high spring tides and severe winds caused a storm surge. Soon after dusk, the sea overflowed into the towns and villages along the coast, breaching the defences, and leaving them underwater.
With the addition of the morning’s high tide and the continued storm, the flooding then only got worse.
Following the flood, sand and mud needed to be pumped back to sea so that people could return to their homes, and the military were brought in to shore up defences before the next high tide in February.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for environment, and local councillor for Ingoldmells Rural on Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“Lincolnshire has battled with floods throughout history; a challenge that continues today as we take steps to better protect our communities along the coast.
“This anniversary is a chance to not only look back and remember those who lost their lives – and the great challenges our coastal communities overcame at that time – but to take stock of how well prepared we are today against the threat of coastal flooding.
“What this exhibition shows us is how the communities affected by this terrible flooding came together and ultimately recovered. Amongst the humbling images of flooded streets and destruction you’ll also find moments of human kindness, resilience, and even smiles in the face of adversity.”
The North Sea Observatory can be found at Chapel Point (PE24 5XA) and is open every day from 10am to 4pm.