Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Sussex > The Haven
The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Explosion - Cliff Falling, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Explosion - Cliff Falling, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Great Explosion at Seaford - the Explosion - Cliff Falling, 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 operations were conducted by the Board of Ordnance...fifty-five men of the Royal Sappers and Miners engaged upon the works...In the face of the cliff, at 150 feet below the edge, a nearly horizontal gallery was cut into the chalk [with] two chambers of
7 feet cubic form, containing 12, 000 lb. of powder each....Two wires, respectively in connexion with two of Grove's batteries, of five pairs of plates each, completed the arrangements for exploding the enormous charges simultaneously'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36200770
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Batteries Battery Blasting Cliff Cliffs Dramatic Dust Electric Electricity Explosion Explosive Explosives Gunpowder Onlooker Onlookers Spectator Spectators
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Landscape paintings
> Coastal landscapes
> Landscape paintings
> Asia
> East Timor
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Seaford
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> The Haven
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Seaford
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking print captures the moment of The Great Explosion at Seaford, Sussex, in 1850. The long shore drift at Seaford Bay was causing the deposition of debris, threatening the safety and navigability of the once-reliable harbor. In an attempt to divert the current, a daring plan was devised by the Board of Ordnance to blow up part of Seaford Head. Fifty-five men of the Royal Sappers and Miners worked diligently on the project. They carved a nearly horizontal gallery into the chalk cliff, 150 feet below the edge, and constructed two chambers, each containing 12,000 lb. of gunpowder. The final preparations involved connecting the chambers to two batteries, each with five pairs of plates, to ensure the charges would detonate simultaneously. The image captures the dramatic moment of the explosion, with plumes of dust and debris billowing into the air, as the cliff face collapses into the sea. Onlookers and spectators, including those aboard boats in the bay, gather to witness the event. The Victorian era's advancements in electricity and blasting technology are evident in the use of batteries to ignite the massive charges. This engraving, published in the Illustrated London News, offers a glimpse into the geographical challenges faced during the 19th century and the innovative solutions employed to address them. The print serves as a reminder of the human ingenuity and determination to overcome natural obstacles and maintain the safety and efficiency of transportation and commerce along the British coast.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
