The floods in St Neots in 1947 were worst in memory

St Neots had seen its fair share of flooding over the years but the snow and rainfall and subsequent damage in the winter of 1947 was said to be "the worst in living memory".

The floods of 1947 left a trail of destruction, wrecking the livelihoods of many struggling in post-war Huntingdonshire.

People used boats to get around the town centre. (Image: THE HUNTS POST)

Damage ran into thousands of pounds.

Around 700 homes in St Neots and Eynesbury were affected by the rising water which reached more than three feet in St Neots High Street.

The river water level at Eaton Socon was eight feel above normal.

Emergency rations were taken to families who were stranded in their homes and some people were without drinking water and fuel for several days.

St Neots high Street in 1947 (Image: THE HUNTS POST)

Shop manager Joseph Preachy had a narrow escape when his Austin car plunged into a swollen brook.

He was rescued, but a £100-worth of stock, including boots and shoes were washed away downstream. He told The Hunts Post: he was: “Little worse for his experience”.

Food had to be delivered to marooned families in Eaton Ford by army amphibious vehicles. People used boats to get around on the Market Square.

Staff at Tomson and Lendrum attempting to stay dry. (Image: THE HUNTS POST)

People living in Brook Street, had to be evacuated and were taken to a hastily set up emergency centre at the St Neots Youth Centre.

It was estimated that only 20 per cent of the floodwater was in the river channel.

Almost every other winter during the 19th century there were floods after heavy rains on frozen ground or during winter snow melt.

The additional discharge of water from further upstream in the Ouse’s catchment area of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire meant the flood waters lasted three days, sometimes longer.

About every three or four years the level would be higher and flood parts of Brook Street, Church Street and St Mary’s Street in Eynesbury.

Sometimes the floods covered the Market Square and the west end of the High Street.

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