Chit Rock, Sidmouth. This rock fell during the dreadful storm on the 22nd Nov. 1824 ([1825])

H. Haseler
  • image IMAGEFORDA2888
RepositoryLibraryShelf
Devon West Country Studies M SC2490
Illustration Reference
SC2490
Location
CD 38 DVD 6
Publication Details
Date
[1825]
Place
Scope and Content
[Cresswell, Rev. Richard.] The tourist's and visitor's handbook to Sidmouth.London: Whittaker and Co., 1841. pp.32-33.Violent storms of any kind are of rare occurrence, and thunder and lightning occur but seldom, and still more rarely does a storm last for many hours; a few however are on record, and in this place we may notice a very violent one which occurred in November 1824, and carried away the Chit rock, which had for many years been a land mark for the fishermen of Sidmouth. On this occasion the south west wind blew a heavy gale, and the sea rose to such an extraordinary height that it carried away the embankment which had been formed for the protection of the town; (the sea wall which now effectually protects Sidmouth from the violence of the waves was not then built,) and the earth-work yielded in every direction, making way for the waves into the town; the ground floors of the houses near the beach were soon filled with sand and shingle, and the only hope of escape left for the inhabitants was by boats placed beneath the windows of the upper rooms; when morning came a scene of the utmost desolation presented itself --but worst of all to the fishermen was the loss of their favorite [sic] land mark, the Chit rock, which for many years had risen high above the dangerous reef of sunken rocks which now is only visible at low water. The lovers too of the picturesque found that their loss was scarcely less; and many an one who was no fisherman has mourned over the destruction of an object which added interest and beauty to the coast view.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]
Author
Format
Lithograph
Dimensions
122x192mm
Aspects
From shore
Counties
Dates
1824