"An Essex village 8 miles from Ilford by Chigwell. The view is looking towards Abridge from Theydon Bois. The Roding runs by the side of the houses and frequently overflows its banks."

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History:

A storm starting on 13th June 1903 produced the wettest month on record in Britain. It rained and rained non-stop. Clouds hung over southern England; despite the heavy rain there was no thunder. After 58 hours the constant downpour ended, but only for a day, before beginning again. An inch of water fell daily which led to widespread flooding. London Underground had to close and Abridge became one of the areas seriously affected. Hay spoiled and farm animals drowned in the deluge. The eruption of Mount Pelee in Martinique was responsible for the devastation, spewing tons of ash and soot into the atmosphere. Carried by the Gulf Stream the volcanic debris blocked out the sun changing the weather pattern.

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