The Great Flood of 1771 affected several rivers, including the Tyne, Tees, Wear and Eden and settlements across northern England from 16 and 17 November 1771.[1] Its cause was a sudden thaw of the ice in upper Teesdale, a cloud burst over the Pennines and a continuous period of rain.[2]
On the River Tyne at Newcastle upon Tyne the middle arch and two of the arches near the Gateshead side collapsed in the early hours of November 17.[3][4] Like many bridges of the time there had been houses and shops on the bridge.[3][1] Upstream, most of the village of Styford on the north bank was destroyed.[1] In total, 25 people died and thirteen or fourteen bridges, including Hexham Bridge, were destroyed on the North, South and main Tyne rivers.[5]
On the River Wear in the city of Durham three arches of Elvet Bridge were destroyed,[1] and Prebends Bridge of 1574 was swept away.[6][7] Further downstream the city's Corn Mill was badly damaged and needed to be rebuilt.[8]
On the River Tees mills and houses were lost, and the river was reportedly Шаблон:Convert wide at Low Coniscliffe.[1]Yarm was one of the areas worst affected, as the river burst its banks in several places. Some stretches of the High Street were submerged in Шаблон:Convert of water.[2] According to reports, the whole of Yarm lay underwater, every building was affected, six houses were destroyed and many more left uninhabitable.[9] The Shambles was washed away and the town's main church was also damaged. Nine of the townspeople also died.[2]
