The Big Freeze of '63 – Britain’s Deepest Chill
While I wasn't around to witness the infamous winter of 1962–63 firsthand, I've heard tales so chilling they could frost your eyebrows. So, let's journey back to a time when Britain turned into a real-life snow globe.
North Street, Chichester in the snow. Milk had to be delivered by tractor.
When the UK Became the Arctic
Starting on Boxing Day 1962, the UK was gripped by a severe cold snap that lasted until early March 1963. Temperatures plummeted to as low as -20°C, rivers and lakes froze solid, and snowdrifts reached up to 20 feet in some areas. It was the coldest winter since 1740, making it the third coldest on record.
Life in the Deep Freeze
The relentless cold brought daily life to a standstill. Roads and railways were blocked by snow, leading to shortages of food and fuel. Power cuts were common, and even the sea froze along parts of the coast. In Kent, ice extended 2.5 miles out to sea, requiring explosives to clear the ports.
Sporting Woes and Frozen Toes
The freeze didn't spare the nation's favourite pastime. Football matches were cancelled en masse, leading to the creation of the Pools Panel to predict results for betting purposes. Meanwhile, millions of milk bottles exploded as their contents froze, and the Red Cross was deployed to deliver emergency supplies.
Visualising the Chill
To get a sense of the Big Freeze's impact, here are some images from that time:
Snow-covered street during the Big Freeze of 1963.
Ice floes in the Solent during the Big Freeze...
Experience the Freeze
For a more immersive look into the Big Freeze, check out this archival footage:
Even though I didn't live through it, the stories of the Big Freeze of '63 are a testament to Britain's resilience in the face of nature's icy grip. It's a chapter of weather history that continues to fascinate and chill to the bone.
Want to explore more historic weather events? Visit our blog archive for tales of sun, storms, and snow.