LANDSLIPS are a common occurrence on the west Dorset coast and, as this extract from the Bridport News shows, were making the news back in 1881.

Alongside an image of unstable Eype cliffs from the past we have here a selection of old photos of Eype showing the home guard, haymaking in the village and a postcard of an unknown woman in the village alongside a boat.

On July 8, 1881, the News reported on an extensive fall of the cliff at Eype.

"On Thursday morning, June 30th, a large portion of the cliff about midway between Eype's Mouth and the Hope Rocks, consisting of many thousands of tons of earth and rock, fell on the beach, rendering it impassable for a considerable distance except at low water, or very nearly so. The portion which has fallen is that known locally as the New Road Cliff, being portion of a field in the occupation of Mr W. Elswood, of Downe House.

"The upper portion consists of what is known as fox mould, extensively inhabited by rabbits and birds, which breed there and rear their young; the under strata is one of blue lias, so plentiful on the coast between Bridport and Lyme Regis, whilst beneath this, in many places, is a strata of red sandstone.

"Indications have been noticed by the fishermen and other inhabitants for some time past of the approaching fall of this portion of the cliff, and visitors to the seaside at this spot have been warned of the danger.

"The probable cause of the slip is the percolation of water into the blue lias from the numerous springs which abound hereabout, the almost certain effect of which would be to make it give way, and slide from its position as in the present instance.

"Other theories may possibly be brought forward to account for the occurrence, but this seems to be the most likely one, as for a long time past streams of clear water have been seen to issue from the sloping surface of the blue lias clay which is in many places exposed to view. This is the most extensive fall of cliff which has occurred in this immediate neighbourhood for a number of years, and further slips are even now expected to take place in the immediate locality."