One of the most remarkable inundations recorded in history, occurred in the reign of Henry I., which overwhelmed the estates of the Earl Godwin, and formed the bank now called the Goodwin Sands.
In the year 1546, a similar irruption of the sea destroyed a thousand persons in the territory of Dort, and a yet greater number round Dullart. To these accidents several more might be added; our own historians and those of other countries abound with them; almost every flat shore of any extent being able to show something it has lost, or something it has gained from the sea.
There are some shores on which the sea, where it has overflowed, and after remaining perhaps some ages, has again retired of its own accord, or been driven back by the industry of man, which, if applied in the case submitted, would, we earnestly pray, verify the words contained in the 5th chapter of the prophet Jeremiah, and the 22nd verse. And should this design be found to answer, who is there can deny that, by continued attention and perseverance, not only will the lands in future be protected, but those which now appear lost, may in after years be regained, and that the saving of human life will be considerable.
There are many lands in Norway, Scotland, and the Maldivia Islands, that are at one time covered with water, at another time free. The country round the Isle of Ely, in the time of Bede, about a thousand years ago, was one of the most delightful spots in the whole kingdom; it was not only cultivated, and produced all the necessaries of life, but grapes also, that afforded excellent wine. The accounts of the time are copious in the description of its verdure and fertility, its rich pastures covered with flowers and herbage, its beautiful shades and wholesome air. But the sea breaking in upon the land, overwhelmed the whole country, took possession of the soil, and totally destroyed one of the most fertile vallies in the world; its air, from being dry and healthful, from that time became unwholesome, and the small part of the country, which by being higher than the rest escaped the deluge, was soon rendered uninhabitable from its noxious vapours. The island continued under water some centuries, till at last the sea, by the same caprice which had prompted its invasion, began to abandon the earth in like manner. It has continued for some ages to relinquish its former conquests; and although the inhabitants can neither boast the longevity nor the luxuries of the original possessors, yet they find ample means of subsistence, and if they happen to survive the first years of residence there, they are often known to arrive at a good old age.
On this coast several manors and large portions of the neighbouring parishes have been swallowed up; nor has there been any intermission, from time immemorial, in the ravages of the sea within a distance of twenty miles in length in which these places stood.
Many a poor fisherman has lost his life within sight of his parents, wife, and children, whose uplifted hands, streaming eyes, and shrieks of wild despair, proclaimed the pangs they endured, the agony they suffered, at losing their offspring, their husband, their father; and this too, when the tenderest ties of affection endeared them to each other; on a sudden lost, gone for ever! leaving those behind, who, if not bereaved of their senses entirely, remain during their sojourn in this vale of tears, for ever broken-hearted and disconsolate. This gloomy picture may appear over-drawn; but, alas! it is too true and melancholy to think of, where such accidents are frequent, and likely to continue till time shall be no more. But there is a ray of hope, that the object which appears so difficult to accomplish, may eventually be attained by the industry of man, with the means given and transmitted from the acquisition of knowledge, through an Allwise and Merciful Creator. Let us earnestly pray that His blessing may be bestowed upon our humble endeavours, to the fulfilment of this or a superior design.
APPENDIX.
BACTON.
Bacton or Backton, termed in the Doomsday Book Baketuna, is situated about four miles and a half north-east by east of North Walsham. From bordering on the sea, it continually experiences its devastating effects, which is the more to be regretted, as the land, about 1600 acres, is extremely fertile.
The Church, dedicated to St. Andrew, is a neat edifice, situated on elevated ground, about a quarter of a mile distant from the sea; and the interior, though unadorned with costly monuments, contains several neat stones to record departed worth.