Am i right in assuming that Jan 1987 was more severe (in terms of low
temperatures and snow depth) than Jan 2010. Was the significant snow as
widespread as Jan 2010?

Far, far more severe here.

Penzance 1987 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKXNwX5uipU

Penzance recorded a record minimum of -9.9C on the night of 12/12 Jan '87

Graham
Penzance