Source: Erasmus Williams FB
We remember with solemn reflection those who lost their lives during the devastating flood that struck Basseterre, St. Kitts, on **January 11, 1880**. May they continue to rest in peace.
A monument erected at **Springfield Cemetery**, located opposite the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, stands in lasting remembrance of the victims.
According to records from the **National Archives**, Sunday, January 11, 1880, was initially described as a fine day with scattered showers. Around **5:00 p.m.**, the atmosphere became unusually warm compared to previous days. By **9:00 p.m.**, an intense cold set in, followed by a brief light shower that quickly ended. However, by 11:00 p.m., heavy rainfall began and continued unabated until 3:00 a.m. on January 12. The night was described as extremely dark.
The flow of water through the streets rapidly intensified as the Fountain and Olive Rivers overflowed. Water from the Fountain River inundated parts of **College Estate**, while the Olivees River flooded areas of **Shadwell**. Deep furrows were carved into the Monkey Hill and Olivees mountains.
On **College Street**, protective walls were breached by the torrents. The property of **Dr. A. P. Boon** and neighbouring homes were flooded with gut sand. Tragically, **David Taylor**, a carpenter, along with his wife Esther, her mother, and their nine children, perished in the flood. The family of another carpenter, **Frank Burgundy**, and his wife **Henrietta**, also lost their lives.
At **Kings Ground**, west of the new market on Central Street between Westbourne Ghaut and Prickly Pear Alley—once described as “a hotbed of vice”—the scene was transformed into one of devastation and despair. The western wall of the market was severely damaged. The home of **Lazarus Titley** was swept from its foundation, while that of **Samuel R. Carey** was completely destroyed. Carey was attempting to escort his wife and daughter to safety when both were carried away by the rushing waters. **John Thomas Crooke**, who had just rescued a friend, lost his footing and was also swept away.
At **Gut Market** on Market Street, **Elizabeth Somarsall** and her son narrowly escaped but lost their home, which had withstood previous floods. Their loss was estimated at several hundred pounds, as was that of **Mrs. Joseph Parris**.
Several business establishments—including those of **W. A. Cock, J. Lagois, A. Mondesire, Wade & Abbott, Thomas McNish**, and **G. W. Bennett & Co.**—suffered extensive damage. The Square was buried beneath mounds of sand, within which a number of bodies were later found, possibly belonging to persons attempting to reach the Courthouse for refuge. The Bay Front was strewn with hogsheads of coal, boxes, barrels, and other merchandise. The **Treasury Building**, the wharves, and **Mr. Wattley’s** business premises were also badly affected.
**Margaret Vanderpool** and her son **George**, who lived along the Bay, were swept out to sea when their small home was washed away. George, who had learned to swim in Irish Town, managed to cling to a floating door and helped his mother hold on as the current carried them out to sea. As they drifted past **Old Road**, Margaret was rescued by **James Bristol** and others, approximately five miles from land. After learning that her son was missing, Bristol returned to search and eventually rescued an exhausted young boy who immediately asked about his mother. Recognising him as Margaret’s son, Bristol brought him to safety. Two days later, Margaret gave birth to a baby girl whom she named **Flodine**. Margaret and George were among the fortunate survivors.
Many others were not as fortunate, and their bodies later washed ashore on **St. Eustatius**, where the Governor ordered that they be given Christian burials.
Most of the victims were residents of Basseterre. The **Moravian Church** in Basseterre has a memorial honouring members of its congregation who perished. Additionally, the **pink obelisk at Springfield Cemetery** was erected in memory of all those who lost their lives during the catastrophic flood of 1880.
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