The 1607 Tsunami

 Event 

The 1607 Tsunami - Professor Simon Haslett

Professor Simon Haslett explores evidence suggesting the devastating floods of 1607 were caused by a tsunami.

In this talk Professor Simon Haslett will explore the theory that the 1607 flood, the worst historical natural disaster to occur on British soil, was caused by a tsunami.

On 30 January 1607 a massive wave devastated the coastal communities along the Bristol Channel. The flood stretched as far inland as Glastonbury Tor. Two hundred square miles of Somerset, Devon, Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire were affected and up to 2,000 people died. Using historical accounts and geographical fieldwork, Simon points to evidence that suggests a tsunami was the cause of the 1607 flood.

The talk will be followed by a drinks reception. 

This event is part of the Bath Spa Public Professorial Lecture Series in partnership with Theatre Royal Bath.

About the speakers

Simon Haslett

Simon Haslett is a Professor of Physical Geography at Bath Spa University. He has previously made two BBC Timewatch documentaries about his research. ‘Britain’s Forgotten Floods’ and ‘The Killer Wave of 1607’. The latter originally aired in 2005 but was recently re-broadcast.