On this day 1914 – storm batters Horsham

On this day in 1914 a terrific storm battered Sussex, with towns reporting thousands of pounds of damage.

The ‘aviation ground’ at Eastbourne suffered £5,000 worth of damage, with windows blown in and tiles lifted off.

Many trees were uprooted across the county and it was no different in Horsham.

The report at the time stated that the town experienced the most violent storm for many years. It reached its climax around 8pm.

A fine and healthy ancient cedar tree, planted around 1680, was blown down in the Causeway’s Manor House.

Another large tree, an elm, also blew down in Springfield Road at the entrance to Horsham Park and electric light was used to warn the traffic (‘ordinary lanterns were of no use in the gale’).

An aspen tree was lost in Mill Bay (now Mill Bay Lane area). It was one of three on the southern side of the River Arun; together they were known as ‘the three graces’.

The tree fell across the river, blocking the flow of the water and young boys took advantage of this new ‘bridge’.

The forlorn tree was photographed and put on sale (see the picture with this article).