The 1607 flood disaster which killed many people across the Burnham-On-Sea area will be the topic of a special history lecture this evening (Wednesday).
Professor Simon Haslett, from the University of Wales, will speak at North Sedgemoor Local History Group’s meeting in Highbridge’s King Alfred School at 7pm.
His lecture will be based around the research he carried out for his BBC2 Timewatch television series.
The 1607 Flood in the Bristol Channel is recorded as being the worst-ever in the British Isles, with some researchers saying it was caused by a tsunami following an earthquake.
The 570km long area affected by the flood stretched from North Devon, through Somerset and Gloucestershire, and along the South Wales coast from Monmouthshire to Carmarthenshire.
Particularly badly affected were the coastal lowlands of Somerset and Gwent, including Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean.
Professor Haslett told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The coastal population was devastated with at least 2,000 fatalities according to one of the contemporary sources.”
“In some parts of the coast, the population is thought never to have recovered from the social and economic disaster.”
Wednesday’s lecture will be held in King Alfred School’s Lecture Theatre starting at 7pm and visitors are welcome for just £1 or by joining the group for an annual membership of £3.
