Rowell: Flooding in Worksop

Horse power beats the floods at Worksop.

In May 1932, after thirty hours of continuous rain, the River Ryton in Worksop finally burst its banks and flooded the Nottinghamshire town. This film, shot on the amateur format of 9.5mm, shows the efforts of people to carry on through adversity. At least one of the local buses appears to have stopped but the flood water is not a problem for the coach and horses, which looks like it was brought out of retirement for the occasion.

The film is likely to have been shot by a member of the Rowell family. The family operated several drapery shops and one of their businesses is seen with the water threatening the front door.