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The Great Explosion at Seaford - Seaford Bay and Cliff, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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The Great Explosion at Seaford - Seaford Bay and Cliff, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Great Explosion at Seaford - Seaford Bay and Cliff, 1850. Long shore drift at Seaford in Sussex was causing deposition of debris to such an extent that Seaford Bay, a long time safe haven for shipping, was in danger of becoming too shallow for navigation. A plan was conceived to blow up part of Seaford Head and create a bank to divert the current. The operation of "blasting" or hurling by the explosion of gunpowder, an immense mass of chalk cliff from the heights at Seaford, down upon the beach, was effected...with perfect success...The Seaford Cliff is a high range of chalk (from 200 to 300 feet in height)...the present experiments were undertaken, with a view to throw out into the sea such a mass of the cliff as shall cause a change in the direction of the tidal current, and so carry the accumulating matter farther to sea into deeper water'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36200026
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Cliff Cliffs Day Out Day Trip Explosion Explosive Explosives Gunpowder Innovation Outing Sightseeing Sightseer Sightseers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print, titled 'The Great Explosion at Seaford - Seaford Bay and Cliff, 1850,' showcases an intriguing moment in Sussex, England's coastal history. Seaford Bay, once a safe haven for shipping, was threatened by longshore drift, which caused the deposition of debris and shallow waters. To address this issue, an innovative solution was devised: blasting a portion of Seaford Head cliff to create a bank and divert the current. Seaford Head, with its impressive height of 200 to 300 feet, was the site of this groundbreaking operation. The Illustrated London News reported, 'The operation of blasting or hurling by the explosion of gunpowder, an immense mass of chalk cliff from the heights at Seaford, down upon the beach, was effected...with perfect success.' The photograph captures the excitement and anticipation of the event, with a crowd of onlookers gathered on the shore. Men and women, dressed in Victorian attire, witness the spectacle, some with curious expressions, others with a sense of awe. The cliff's explosive destruction and the resulting debris in the water serve as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people of Seaford to preserve their coastline. This 19th-century print is a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the technological innovation and community spirit that shaped the coast of East Sussex, England. It is a captivating reminder of the power of nature and the human will to adapt and overcome the challenges it presents.
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