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The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Cliff, after the Explosion, 1850. Creator: Unknown
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The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Cliff, after the Explosion, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Cliff, after the Explosion, 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...'By two o'clock a great crowd had assembled on Seaford Heights, and a dense mass of spectators also on the beach, a great number having taken their places under the cliff, to be as near as possible to the explosion...a bugle was sounded on the beach, and a flag was hoisted...from the Martello tower...the explosion from the two lower chambers thrust out the under portions of the cliff, the superincumbent weight of chalk fell upon the mass...those on the beach experienced a trembling motion of the ground for some distance...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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Media ID 36200144
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Beach Cliff Cliffs Debris Explosion Explosive Explosives Gunpowder Innovation Onlooker Onlookers Rubble Spectator Spectators
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Great Explosion at Seaford: A Dramatic Turning Point in Sussex Coastline History This evocative image captures the aftermath of the explosive event that took place at Seaford, Sussex, in 1850. The photograph, titled 'The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Cliff, after the Explosion, 1850,' is an intriguing snapshot of history, showcasing the dramatic consequences of human intervention to address a natural phenomenon. Longshore drift at Seaford Bay was causing the deposition of debris, posing a threat to the bay's status as a safe haven for shipping due to the shallowing waters. To combat this issue, a daring plan was devised to blow up part of Seaford Head and create a new bank to divert the current. The anticipation of the explosion was palpable, as evidenced by the large crowd gathered on Seaford Heights and the beach. The image depicts a scene of excitement and tension, with spectators eagerly awaiting the event. The bugle call and the hoisting of a flag from the Martello tower signaled the imminent explosion. The moment of detonation is not captured in this photograph, but the aftermath is evident in the destruction wrought upon the cliffside. The under portions of the cliff have been blasted away, and the superincumbent weight of chalk has fallen upon the mass, creating a new landscape. Those on the beach reported feeling a trembling motion of the ground, a testament to the explosive power unleashed. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human ingenuity and determination to shape the natural world, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Great Explosion at Seaford marked a turning point in the history of the Sussex coastline, paving the way for innovative solutions to the challenges posed by the natural environment.
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