Earthquake Shakes North-West England, Residents React to Tremor

A **3.3-magnitude earthquake** struck north-west England late on **December 3, 2023**, awakening numerous residents who reported their homes “vibrating.” The tremor occurred at **11:23 PM**, with its epicentre located off the coast of **Silverdale**, at a depth of approximately **1.86 miles (3 km)**.

The **British Geological Survey (BGS)** confirmed that the quake was felt across a broad area, including **Lancashire**, **Kendal**, and **Ulverston**. Many residents reported the sensation of their homes shaking, with some describing it as feeling “like an explosion.” According to the BGS, while the UK experiences around **200 to 300 seismic events** each year, only **20 to 30** are typically strong enough for people to notice. Most minor tremors are detected solely by specialized equipment and do not cause structural damage.

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions from those who felt the earthquake. One individual from **Carnforth** described their house shaking and initially thought something had crashed into it. Another resident from **Thornton Cleveleys** noted, “My house shook, doors banged, and I felt my body and the sofa move for about three seconds! Never felt one before!”

Many accounts highlighted the widespread impact of the tremor. A resident in **Lancaster** reported confusion as they initially thought the rumbling was caused by a passing train before realizing it was the earthquake. The **European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC)** has recorded reports from various individuals, even as far away as **London**, where one person claimed to have experienced “weak shaking” near **Battersea Bridge**.

Despite the widespread sensation of the earthquake, there have been no reports of structural damage. This event aligns with the pattern of seismic activity in the UK, where earthquakes are generally minor. The last notable earthquake in the region occurred on **November 17, 2025**, with a smaller magnitude of **2.2**, located **257 km southeast of Plymouth**, which also resulted in no damage.

As residents of north-west England reflect on the experience, the event serves as a reminder of the natural forces at play beneath the surface. Although such tremors are common, the intensity felt by individuals and the immediate reactions illustrate the human impact of these geological phenomena.