Marilyn Tate discovered the following report, which has come from the Snainton Register of February 4 and 5, 1823: The occupants of a cottage in Troutsdale were buried under a mass of snow.

Following heavy and continuous falls of snow – since before Christmas 1822 – everywhere in the North Riding of Yorkshire was snow bound and most roads impassable.

During the night of February 4 and 5, 1823, a huge mass of snow above Troutsdale broke away and, rolling down the hillside, accumulated both in bulk and force on the way down.

When nearly at the bottom, the mass of snow completely covered a cottage in its path and the five inmates were buried in the ruins, only after great difficulty and labourous toil were the bodies recovered.

They were buried in Brompton churchyard, but only after a long and painful journey on foot by the bearers.

The coffins were taken by sledges, drawn by relays of men, up to a hundred in number and, according to accounts, a great many more people attending the melancholy service.

Brompton Register 1823. Interred at Brompton: Benjamin Bravender, of Troutsdale, aged 35; Mary Bravender, of Troutsdale, aged 32; Hannah aged eight; Benjamine, aged five; William, aged two.

This family was destroyed by an avalanche of snow in Troutsdale. They were buried about 10pm and discovered at 7am.

Disbursements of Thos Watson and John Watson, overseers of Troutsdale poor – in the Parish of Brompton – includes for 1882-83.

Benj Bravender Funerals £1-18-6.

 

 

Gazette & Herald:

This photograph was provided by Mr D Rickatson, of Wombleton, and was taken in the early part of 1947 on the moors above Pickering during a snow storm.

The UK experienced several cold spells in 1947, beginning on January 21, bringing large drifts of snow to the country, which caused roads and railways to be blocked.

February was dull, windy and frosty. Average maximum temperatures for the month were close to freezing in many places. Ice floes were observed in the sea off Whitstable, in Kent.

March was worse. Blizzards and heavy snow affected the whole country. At the start of the month, a snowstorm affected most of England and Wales and caused drifts close to five metres in some areas.

One of the coldest March nights was recorded at -21.1C in Braemar, Peebles, and in Houghall, County Durham.