Bluntisham: The Great FloodEarith 2020 02

Return to: Landmarks

1947 saw severe flooding across the country. The Fens were badly hit, with the Ouse Washes and River Ouse bursting their banks. Many people had to be evacuated from their homes.

In Bluntisham, the Great Ouse burst its banks opposite the church, seeing water pour through a large gap in the Bedford Corporation Barrier Bank. German prisoners of war were called in to help stabilise the breach, which was later contained by amphibious vehicles used to form a metal box around the hole, according to Mike Petty in a 2014 edition of the Cambridge News.

Men and materials were transported to the area via Bluntisham railway station in the efforts to contain the floodwater. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also visited during this time, to offer encouragement.

The station closed completely on 5 October 1964, although the station building and platform remain. It is now a private home which can be seen from a road bridge near the station site.

A stone has been placed at the location of the breach to mark the event. This can be seen along the Rothschild Way between Earith Bridge and Brownshill Staunch.

Approximate Grid Reference: TL375737

Core text courtesy of Cambridgeshire Live: Link