Lying as it does in the valleys of both the rivers Kennet and Dun, flooding in Charnham Street used to be a frequent event until the middle of the 20th century. Families got used to "pumping-out" their premises and homes.

One well-recorded flood was on 16th May 1932, when Charnham Street was under several inches of water. Several of the pictures on this page show this particular flood - others are undated.

See also Charnham Street Floods, 1894.

It is said that flooding continued until the 1950s, but improved dredging of the rivers Kennet and Dun  below Hungerford, and the extraction of water from the river Kennet at Axford resulting in lowering of the water-table at Hungerford has greatly reduced the risk of flooding.

One minor episode was reported in the NWN on 1 November 1979: "Charnham Street in Hungerford was partially flooded on Thursday morning following several hours of heavy rain. Pavements were awash with rainwater and motorists had to take great care as they went to work."

Hungerford is further protected from flooding by the continued preservation of its water meadows, especially Freeman's Marsh. The development of Charnham Park has reduced the area of protecting water-meadow on the Kennet, although much remains up-stream. There has certainly been no flooding since at least the early 1970s, and none occurred in July 2007 when Thatcham was so severely affected.

Car ploughing through the flood water outside the Red Lion (now Casanova)

An intrepid fisherman making a point! Outside the Red Lion (now Casanova)

The view looking north-east, from the Red Lion towards Kennet Garage

Waist-deep in the Bear Yard, 16th May 1932

Looking west (Charnham House on right)

Fire pump outside Charnham House, 16th May 1932

Children playing in the water outside The Lamb, Faulkner Square (now Five)

Fire pump outside Charnham House

Charlie Batchelor outside his shop
 (opposite the Bear Hotel)