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Old Lynmouth Scale Model |
| The Lynmouth Flood of August 15 1952 was the most disastrous river flood in British history taking the lives of thirty-four men, women, and children. Sixty houses, hotels, and shops were lost from the two hundred and twelve properties that were in the village. |
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Lynmouth
was redesigned after the disaster to allay future fears of residents and
the many visitors that came to the resort. Rivers and bridges were widened
and a new road was built on the bed of the River Lyn to act as a flood
barrier and alleviate traffic problems in narrow Lynmouth Street. None of
the sixty buildings lost was ever replaced. Many photographs of pre flood
Lynmouth exist but photographs do not capture this unique village in its
entirety.
The
idea of building a scale model of pre flood Lynmouth came to me after a
realisation of the love and pride residents had for their village that had
gone forever. Those who knew it sadly miss the village. My fascination for
the old village and a deep respect for the people who showed a grim
determination for Lynmouth to recover from its ruin encouraged this idea.
The model went on display in the Lynmouth Flood Memorial Hall at Easter 1999 and has established itself as a village attraction. The hall displays contemporary photographs showing the aftermath of the flood and a small display of flood memorabilia. It is open every day from Easter until the end of October from l0am to 6pm. Entrance is free although a small donation is gratefully received by the charity that administers the hall. Regretfully no dogs are allowed. Tim Prosser |