The Great Gale of Brixham

On the night of January 10th/11th 1866 a great storm devastated Brixham's fishing fleet, known locally as 'The Great Gale', the storm destroyed up to 60 vessels and killed 100 souls (a memorial stands in St. Marys Churchyard in Higher Brixham), the names of all the vessel are recorded in Brixham Heritage Museum at Bolton Cross, Brixham.

During the night the beacon light on the quayside was extinguished by the waves leading to Wives of Brixham burning their household effects to guide their loved ones still out at sea home to port.

Below are some pictures of the aftermath of the storm.