In 1732 there was a great flood that thundered down the River Ure causing tremendous damage to the mills and bridges that lined its banks. Both Masham and West Tanfield bridges were completely destroyed, animals were killed and mill folk left destitute.

Almost three hundred years later, evidence of the impact of this flood is coming to light. A local history project, the Ure River Research Group aims to get to the bottom of this catastrophic event.

"We have uncovered the bones of horses, sheep and boar that were killed in a this major calamity" comments George Chaplin, chairman of the group "several mills were put out of operation and it appears that the local economy took decades to recover, it took 23 years to replace Masham bridge".

Thanks to the Local Heritage Initiative, the group have been given funding to embark on a research project that aims to trace the history of the River Ure up to the time of the great flood and beyond.

"We intend to involve schools and many local people in our activities, we will be running training courses, talks, guided walks and intend to produce a booklet explaining the history of this stretch of the Ure". Said George.

But its not just local people who will be involved, the group are going to be using some of the latest high tech gadgets and techniques "We are an online research group, more than half of our members live outside of the region, some in different countries." Said George "Local researchers carry a hand held computer, digital camera and GPS (Satellite positioning system). New field data is uploaded to the group for all to discuss then and there"

This means that the group benefits from immediate access to expert researchers without waiting for them to physically come and visit. "It's very efficient AND exciting!" says group member Elaine Swann "almost as soon as we post a new item of research people will be able to come on-line to discuss it".

"We intend to uncover the secrets of the River Ure from the prehistoric period to the 19th century, it is an area rich in history - Neolithic, Roman, Saxon and Norman periods will all be researched in this project" said George.

The group will be holding a talk entitled "The Great Flood of Masham 1732" at Masham town hall on the 16th June 2004 at 7.30 pm. Admittance will be £2.00 and free for concessions.

The Ure River Research Group have a website www.ureresearch.org.uk, they can be contacted by emailing info@ureresearch.org.uk.

Background information

The Ure River Research Group is a voluntary research project involving local people, professional archaeologists and keen amateurs from many parts of the UK.

Contact: Chairman - George Chaplin. 01677450071.

The Local Heritage Initiative is a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency. For further information please visit www.lhi.org.uk.