Introduction
Bewdley dates from the Middle Ages when the town was on the hillside above the river.
So it is only since the riverside developments took place and the heyday of Bewdley as a port in the eighteenth century that large numbers of properties have been vulnerable.
In bye-gone years the most serious flood was that of the Great Flood of 1795. The old Bewdley Bridge of 1483 was damaged beyond repair. A new bridge to the design of Thomas Telford was opened three years later. This is the bridge that crosses the Severn
at Bewdley today.
In modern times Bewdley has been subject to flooding on numerous occasions including 1910, 1935, 1947, and many other years besides. In 1947 the waters were so high that Load Street itself was flooded.
Although the flow of the modern river is supposed to be under better control, fears of a changing climate from global warming, suggest to many unstable weather and increased risks of flooding not less.
Post-war housing estates at Hales Park, Blossom Hill and elsewhere are well above the centre of town and the river.
So it is only since the riverside developments took place and the heyday of Bewdley as a port in the eighteenth century that large numbers of properties have been vulnerable.
In bye-gone years the most serious flood was that of the Great Flood of 1795. The old Bewdley Bridge of 1483 was damaged beyond repair. A new bridge to the design of Thomas Telford was opened three years later. This is the bridge that crosses the Severn
at Bewdley today.
In modern times Bewdley has been subject to flooding on numerous occasions including 1910, 1935, 1947, and many other years besides. In 1947 the waters were so high that Load Street itself was flooded.
Although the flow of the modern river is supposed to be under better control, fears of a changing climate from global warming, suggest to many unstable weather and increased risks of flooding not less.
Post-war housing estates at Hales Park, Blossom Hill and elsewhere are well above the centre of town and the river.