Thames Valley catastrophe

The Thames Valley catastrophe was the name given to a large volcanic fissure eruption which caused mass destruction in the Thames Valley region of the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. On the 21st of August, a massive fissure spanning an area of roughly eight miles between Shiplake to Marlow appeared in the English countryside. The waves of lava that were emitted followed the course of the valley and the Thames River until it reached the city of London, which was completely destroyed. In place of the Thames Valley was the Glassy Rock Desert.The Thames Valley Catastrophe by Grant Allen - Project Gutenberg Australia - Retrieved 25 December 2022
The eruption killed thousands, including geologist George W. Ward. The destruction of London led to transference of the seat of government to Manchester, and the establishment of the Earthquake and Eruption Department. The position of the Seismologer Royal was created to forecast future seismic activity. One of the defining narratives of the event was written by a survivor by the name of George; he subsequently became secretary of the General Post Office.
== Notes ==
=== Behind the Scenes ===
* The catastrophe appeared in the story of the same name by Canadian author Grant Allen.PseudoPod 665: The Thames Valley Catastrophe - 13 September 2019 - PseudoPod - Retrieved 25 December 2022
== Appearances ==
* The Thames Valley Catastrophe (first and final appearance)
== References ==
Category:Natural disasters
Category:Volcanic eruptions
Category:Events
Category:19th century events
Category:Literary events