Manx links to RNLI foundation celebrated in exhibition

A new exhibition strikes a "brilliant" balance between Manx maritime history and its catalyst for the RNLI's creation, the charity has said.

RNLI heritage manager David Weldon said he was "blown away" by the display, organised to coincide with the charity's 200th anniversary.

Sir William Hillary was living in Douglas and witnessed numerous shipwrecks around the coast when he petitioned for the institution.

Sir William founded the RNLI in 1824.

All At Sea, at the House of Manannan in Peel, was officially opened by the island's lieutenant governor ahead of the anniversary on 4 March.

The project, which was a collaboration between the charity and Manx National Heritage (MHH), features some "very special" objects, including the gold medal given to Sir William by the institution for founding it.

MNH curator Allison Fox said that was a significant feature because "we know that it was around the coast of the Isle of Man that the idea was formed".

She added: "He writes in Douglas in February 1823 that the idea of this national institution 'has only suggested itself to me since my residence on a part of the coast often exposed to the most distressing scenes of misery'.

"To have this illustration of that point in history, when this fantastic thing started, is great to have."

The medal has been loaned to MNH by the RNLI, but the exhibition also contains items relating to the formation from the Manx National Collections.

They include original pamphlets outlining what it should be founded on, including the earliest in which Sir William sets out why an organisation was needed, and what it should be.

"This particular one is a first edition and it's just got 'from the author' written on it, which is a nice touch," Ms Fox said.

Reflecting on the mixture of the island's role as the birthplace of the lifesaving institution and broader Manx maritime heritage, Mr Weldon said the balance of "tales of endeavour and shipwreck" together with its place in the RNLI's history was "just right".

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