The Warminster Herald, Saturday 17th February 1883, reported:
Owing to the incessant storms of rain Chitterne has been partially under water. In one or two houses the inmates have been confined to the upper stories, and on Wednesday the relieving officer, Mr Foulstone, had to wade from house to house in water more than knee deep. So great has the deluge of water been that the National Schools are closed in consequence, it being impossible for the children to obtain access to them.