Deluge in Driffield – 100 Years On

It is nearly three years since major flooding devastated parts of the East Riding and Hull.

For those who were affected, it will never be forgotten.

One of the towns which appeared to be relatively unaffected was Driffield, but history shows that the ‘Capital of the Wolds’ has not always been so lucky.

One hundred years ago this month, the town of Driffield suffered the effects of a devastating torrent brought on by unusually heavy rainfall.

On 20 May 1910, a surge of water came down from the Wolds and flooded many of the streets.

Driffield Beck overflowed and spread out across 200 yards, flooding houses to a depth of around six feet.  Bridges were swept away, which forced people to be evacuated by boat.

Now, as the town prepares to mark the centenary of the devastation, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s archives and local studies service is able to offer people a glimpse of the floods through archive photographs held at the Treasure House, Beverley.

During the flood Dora Whitehand, aged one year and eleven months drowned at her home in Providence Place.

Burial records, also held at the Treasure House, show that she was the daughter of Thomas Whitehand, a local labourer, who laid her to rest four days later on 24 May.

Collections officer, Sam Bartle said:  “It is fitting that there is soon to be a plaque in commemoration of this flood and the death of Dora, and here at the archives we can also play our part in making sure that the memory of her short life is not forgotten.”

To view archive material relating to the Driffield floods and read local books on the subject, anyone is welcome to visit the Research Room of the Treasure House, in Champney Road, Beverley.  Members of the public need to bring forms of ID to use the archives. More information is available on (01482) 392790.