Exhibition marks 70th anniversary of Lincolnshire flood of 1953

An exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of a flood that claimed the lives of 43 people and devastated Lincolnshire communities will launch next week.

The free exhibition at the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards will feature photographs, newspaper articles, and children’s schoolwork from the time of the flood in January 1953.

It will be on display from January 31 until the end of February.

The flood, caused by a combination of high spring tides and severe winds, saw water surge as far as two miles inland, seriously affecting areas such as Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea, and Skegness.

Reports from the time say that the sea overflowed into the towns and villages along the coast, breaching defences and leaving them underwater.

With the addition of the morning’s high tide and the continued storm, the flooding 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.

Lincolnshire county councillor Colin Davie (Con - Ingoldmells), executive councillor for environment, said: “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.

“Among 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 Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, will open the exhibition. Beforehand, a private memorial service will take place at St Peter and St Paul Church in Ingoldmells. The service will be led by the Rev Richard Holden.