One hundred years ago
A TERRIBLE gale broke over the United Kingdom on Saturday, and last- ed till Tuesday, with scarcely diminished violence. From the Orkneys to the Isle of Wight, the wind blew with irresistible force, reaching at times and places an unprecedented speed. The number of losses reported to Lloyds is very great, and 237 deaths have been ascertained, exclusive of those who may have per- ished in the fishing-fleets. The destruc- tion of trees in Scotland has been extraordinary, one large estate in Perthshire having been stripped bare; and the number of houses, chimneys, and walls blown down is so great that readers wonder the destruction of life was not more extensive. The great steamers exposed to the wind have, it should be noted, all survived; but the small vessels are thrown about like corks in a shaken tumbler. Complaints are made of the Lifeboat services, which appear to suffer from a want of inter- communication and central control, quite natural from the local way in which they are kept up. Localism is, of course, of their very life; but it is said they might both inform and help each other more carefully.
The Spectator 25 November 1893
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