The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
The Great Gale
The dramatic effects of the 1953 North Sea Flood upon farmlands on the east coast of Britain and the work of Ferguson tractors in rescue.
From the collection of:
Overview
In January 1953, severe storms in the North Sea struck Holland, Belgium and Britain’s east coast causing the loss of 307 lives and making thousands homeless. Widespread livestock casualties were reported and thousands of acres of farmland were poisoned with sea water. Produced by the Ferguson Film Unit, this film shows various tractors and attachments being put to use draining the land, repairing the sea wall and spreading gypsum to reduce the effects of salt in the soil.
On the night of January the 31st, a high spring tide and a violent gale in the North Sea caused a water level rise of more than 5.6 metres above the expected high tide mark. The Netherlands was worst affected, but Belgium, Scotland and England all recorded loss of life. Numerous fishing trawlers were lost in the storm and the ferry MV Princess Victoria was lost at sea in the North Channel east of Belfast. As a result of the storm, and with the expectation that similar events would occur from time to time, storm surge barriers were constructed on the River Thames in London and the River Hull on the Humber estuary, and projects to strengthen sea defences along the east coast were launched.
Related
Watch for free
Ingot Pictorial No. 15 Ingot Pictorial No. 15
Sponsored film 1953 21 mins Location: Canvey Island
Work, rest and play for the men of steel in this screen review from Welsh steel and tinplate manufacturers Richard Thomas & Baldwin.
Watch for free
Tower Bridge (akaThames River Scenes) Tower Bridge (akaThames River Scenes)
Non-Fiction 1924 13 mins Silent Location: London
The Thames was alive with vessels of all shapes and sizes, testimony to the success of London as a busy Port, handling cargo and passenger ferries from around the world.
Watch for free
Davis Family Films: Canvey – 20th Wedding Anniversary, Central London and Canvey Island (1963) Davis Family Films: Canvey – 20th Wedding Anniversary, Central London and Canvey Island (1963)
Amateur film 1963 4 mins Silent Location: Soho
A lovely shot of Berwick Street market in Soho is among the highlights of this sweet family film, which also captures a 20th anniversary holiday in Canvey Island.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.