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Story: Marlborough places

Flood in Market Square

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Flood in Market Square

Blenheim was established on the flood plain of the Wairau River and was frequently inundated until flood-control works in the 20th century ensured some protection. In this photograph looking north, taken around 1876, much of Market Square (foreground) and Market Street (background) was under water.

Using this item

Marlborough Historical Society, Marlborough Museum & Archives

Reference: 2009.067.0030

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How to cite this page

Malcolm McKinnon, Marlborough places – Blenheim, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/31852/flood-in-market-square (accessed 11 June 2026).

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, published 9 May 2011, updated 18 June 2015.