Notes and queries - The last major storm?

From Samantha, posted on our messageboard on 19-10-03:
When was the last major storm, prior to 1987?

Response from Andy Grant on 27-10-03:
J.A.Erredge details that there was “a great storm, which did much damage to the town and the vessels belonging to it” on November 27th 1703. He also records a “terrific storm” on August 11th 1705.

Other storms were also noted in 1786, when the battery in East Street was washed away; in 1824 when a violent storm did great damage to the chain pier; in 1833 and 1836, when terrific gales partially destroyed the chain pier.

By far the most notable was the “Great Storm of July 17th 1850”. J.G.Bishop records that the storm commenced about 18:30 after some days of excessive heat and a sea fog which covered the town. The wind shifted to the north west. Thunder like bomb-shells shook the town to its foundations and the lightning was incessant. Great sheets of water made visibility across the street impossible. The storm lasted for around an hour, but virtually every in the lower town sustained damage. There are a great many engravings depicting these storms in Brighton library, many which are replicated in books on Brighton.

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