History of River Severn in Timeline
The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain, stretching 220 miles (354 km). Originating in the Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales on the Plynlimon massif, it boasts the highest average flow rate of any river in England and Wales, measuring 107 m3/s at Apperley, Gloucestershire. Its course flows through Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, and it passes through the county towns of Shrewsbury, Worcester, and Gloucester.
1917: "Severn Meadows" song published
In 1917, Ivor Gurney published the song "Severn Meadows", inspired by the River Severn.
1923: Gerald Finzi writes "A Severn Rhapsody"
In 1923, Gerald Finzi wrote "A Severn Rhapsody", Opus 3, inspired by the Severn River and its surrounding countryside.
1925: "Western Sailors" song published
In 1925, Ivor Gurney published the song "Western Sailors", inspired by the River Severn.
1930: Edward Elgar writes "The Severn Suite"
In 1930, Edward Elgar wrote "The Severn Suite", Opus 87, inspired by the Severn River.
1947: "Severn Tide" book published
In 1947, Brian Waters published his book "Severn Tide" with J. M. Dent, detailing the lives of people who lived and worked along the river.
1949: "Severn Stream" book published
In 1949, Brian Waters published his book "Severn Stream", detailing the lives of people who lived and worked along the river.
1954: Herbert Howells writes Missa Sabrinensis
In 1954, Herbert Howells wrote the complex Missa Sabrinensis (Mass of the Severn).
1960: Severn Railway Bridge damaged
In 1960, the Severn Railway Bridge was severely damaged by the collision of two river barges, Arkendale H and Wastdale H, resulting in the death of five crew members.
1966: Closure of Aust Ferry
In 1966, the Aust Ferry closed when the Severn Bridge opened.
1966: First bridge construction
In 1966, the first bridge was constructed, replacing the Aust Ferry.
1970: Demolition of Severn Railway Bridge
In 1970, the Severn Railway Bridge was demolished following severe damage in 1960.
1986: Designation as a World Heritage Site
In 1986, a 3-mile stretch of the River Severn in Shropshire, known as Ironbridge Gorge, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
1986: Waverley Excursions sailings
Since 1986, Waverley Excursions has operated occasional sailings to Sharpness and Lydney by the MV Balmoral.
2007: Flooding during United Kingdom floods
In 2007, the River Severn flooded during the United Kingdom floods.
2010: Re-opening of Droitwich canals
In 2010, the two Droitwich canals re-opened after major restoration.
2011: "The Sense of an Ending" published
In 2011, Julian Barnes' novel "The Sense of an Ending" references the Severn Bore.
2011: Grey seal presence in Bewdley
In the winter of 2011/2012, a female grey seal spent several weeks on the river in Bewdley.
2012: Grey seal presence in Bewdley
In the winter of 2011/2012, a female grey seal spent several weeks on the river in Bewdley.
December 2013: Grey seal sighting in Worcester
From October to December 2013, a female grey seal was spotted at and around Worcester.
2013: Metal sculpture erected
In 2013, a metal sculpture of Sabrina was erected in Shrewsbury.
2016: Closure of Hampton Loade Ferry
The Hampton Loade Ferry, which operated across the River Severn in Shropshire, closed in 2016.
2019: Flooding during United Kingdom floods
In 2019, the River Severn flooded during the 2019-2020 United Kingdom floods.
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