A few days ago although it wasn't windy here there were some larges waves coming up the English Channel. These are not that uncommon but this collection went over the top of Chesil and injured someone.

What was the cause? Storm in the Atlantic, underwater earth slippage though I'm not sure of the answer. Any ideas anyone?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-dorset-55887425

Atlantic storm probable

https://wessexcoastgeology.soton.ac.uk/chestorm.htm

Lots more references if you Google <Chesil beach 1978>

What was the cause? 

 Sue Narmy maybe?

The description in 

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  Google Scholar
  
  


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  Draper L, Bownass TM. 1983. Wave devastation behind Chesil beach. Weather 38: 346–352
  

which is referred to in Essan's post as caused by waves generated at a distance, matches what my sister tells me, from her viewpoint at Highcliffe in Christchurch Bay. . "A regular series of big swells,  breaking as far out as the cruise ships (i.e. in deep water)". I got the impression that they were about a metre high on breaking. Normal waves in the area break perhaps 10 yards offshore in that area. The local surfers had got the message but were not observing social distancing!