| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 October 1091 |
| F4 tornado | |
| on the Fujita scale | |
| T8 tornado | |
| on the TORRO scale | |
| Highest winds | >343 km/h (213 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 |
| Areas affected | London,United Kingdom |
The London Tornado of 1091 is the earliest reported tornado in England,occurring in London on Friday,17 October 1091. [1] [2] It has been estimated by modern assessment as possibly a T8 on the TORRO scale (roughly equivalent to an F4 on the Fujita scale) making it one of the strongest recorded tornadoes in the British Isles,alongside the 1666 Lincolnshire tornado, [3] although this estimate is based on reports written 30 years later. [4]
The church of St Mary-le-Bow in the city of London was badly damaged;four rafters 26 feet (7.9 m) long were driven into the ground so that only 4 feet (1.2 m) protruded above the surface. [4] Other nearby churches were demolished by the tornado,as were over 600 mostly wooden houses. For all the damage,there were just two known fatalities in a population of about 18,000. [4] [3] [5] The tornado is mentioned in chronicles by Florence of Worcester and William of Malmesbury,the latter describing it as "a great spectacle for those watching from afar,but a terrifying experience for those standing near". [3]