Penzance Lifeboat Station

Last updated
Penzance Lifeboat Station
Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg
Penzance old lifeboat station (2024).JPG
The 1884 lifeboat house photographed in 2024
Cornwall UK relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Map of Cornwall showing Penzance
General information
TypeLifeboat Station
Location Penzance
AddressWharf Road, Penzance, TR18 4AA
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates 50°07′08″N5°32′01″W / 50.1188°N 5.5335°W / 50.1188; -5.5335
OpenedFirst lifeboat 1803
Surviving building 1884;140 years ago (1884)
Cost£575 6s 6d
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameFormer Penzance lifeboat house
Designated16 March 1987
Reference no. 1210218

Penzance Lifeboat Station was the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) operations in Mount's Bay in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The first lifeboat to be placed at Penzance was in 1803 but a permanent station was not established until 1853. It closed in 1917 by which time the Penlee Lifeboat Station had been established.

Contents

History

Map showing the various lifeboat stations around Mounts Bay. The Penzance stations are at top left. Mounts Bay lifeboat stations.png
Map showing the various lifeboat stations around Mounts Bay. The Penzance stations are at top left.

The first lifeboat in Cornwall was purchased for Penzance in 1803. Part of its cost was paid by Lloyd's of London but it was sold in 1812 without ever being used in service. The National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (as the RNLI was originally known) was formed in 1824 and a district association of the national institution was soon formed at Penzance. A lifeboat was stationed in the town from 1826 but was wrecked in 1827 or 1828. [1] [2] [3]

The station then lapsed until 1853 when a lifeboat was again stationed in the town. It was kept at several different places around the town until a boathouse was built in 1856 for £88 at the site that is now the entrance to the Penzance railway station. There was local controversy when the boat was unable to launch on several occasions in 1862. As a consequence there was a proposal to move the lifeboat to Newlyn, which would have been unpopular with the residents of Penzance. As a compromise the lifeboat station moved to Wherrytown on the edge of Penzance, where a timber lifeboat house was opened in 1867 at the bottom of Alexandra Road near the Coastguard Station. It later was decided to move back to Penzance harbour so in 1884 a new boathouse was built at the foot of Jennings Street, at a cost of £575 6s 6d. This was paid for by a £1,000 gift from Henry Martin Harvey of Hexworthy, which also paid for a new lifeboat, the Dora, and a carriage. [4] [5] [6]

The Penzance lifeboat was moved to Newlyn in 1908 and a second hand boat placed at Penzance in its stead. The Newlyn lifeboat was moved to a new station at Penlee Point in 1913. Penzance's station was closed in 1917 and the boathouse sold to the town council [7] [8]

Buildings

The boathouses of 1856 and 1867 no longer exist, but the 1884 boathouse still stands on the landward side of Wharf Road at the corner Jennings Street. It is a single-storey building of coursed Lamorna granite with ashlar dressings and a slate roof. It was equipped with a small bell turret and bell, and there are two terracotta panels RNLI roundels set into the wall, one with the royal crown and date 1884, the other depicting a lifeboat with the initials RNLBI. It was given listed building status in 1987. [5] [9]

Service awards

The only record of the lifeboat Alexandria being involved in a rescue was on 29 January 1865. After two attempted launches that were unsuccessful because of the weather, it was taken to Newlyn. The crew then rowed back to where the Willie Ridley of Plymouth was being blown towards rocks and took the men off the ship. An RNLI silver medal was awarded to Captain T.H. Fellowes, a Coastguard inspector who took command of the lifeboat as its coxswain was unavailable. [10] [6]

Penzance is on the south coast but on 11 January 1866 it was taken to Hayle on the north coast to assist the St Ives lifeboat that was trying to rescue the crew of a steam boat that had run aground on the sandbank at the entrance to the harbour in a gale. Thomas Carbis, the Penzance coxswain, was awarded a silver medal for his part in the rescue. [11] [12]

5 January 1867 was a bad day in Mount's Bay. Three different ships were wrecked in a gale and the lifeboat was twice taken from Penzance to Marazion to be launched. Crew member Samuel Higgs was given a silver medal for his work which helped save 17 people. [12]

The barque North Britain got into trouble in Mount's Bay on 6 December 1868. The lifeboat Richard Lewis was taken to the beach and launched but some of the barque's crew had already taken to the ship's boats. One capsized and another was broken against the side of the larger ship. The people on the shore saved as many of these as they could. Meanwhile the lifeboat had a difficult time making headway. It capsized but it righted itself and most of the crew got back aboard although one was only saved by his lifejacket and a man riding out into the surf on his horse to pull him ashore. The coxswain got stuck under some wreckage but managed to free himself and was helped back into the lifeboat which had righted itself as it as designed to. It was rowed back to the shore so the injured and exhausted crew could be relieved. The second coxswain and a fresh crew put out again and saved the eight men still aboard the wrecked ship. Five silver medals were awarded on this occasion, to Coxswain Thomas Carbis, Second Coxswain Samuel Higgins, R.B. Cay, William Blackmore and Samuel Higgs Junior. Richard Lewis, the secretary of the RNLI after whom the lifeboat was named, made a special journey to Penzance to present the medals in a special ceremony at the Town Hall. [13] [14] [12]

The Richard Lewis lifeboat was called out on two occasions early in 1873. A Norwegian ship, the Otto has blown ashore between Penzance and Marazion on 26 January. The crew of eight were saved. Just one week later, another storm on 2 February saw the American Marie Emilie run aground. It took the lifeboat three attempts to safely get in among the rocks to save the four people on board. The RNLI awarded silver medals to Captain Howorth, Nicholas Downing and William Blackmore for the two services; the Norwegian government also gave the three men silver medals for their deeds with the Otto. [15]

Lifeboats

At PenzanceONNameBuiltClassLengthComments
1803–18121803 Greathead 27 ft (8.2 m) [1] [6]
1826–18281825 Plenty 24 ft (7.3 m) [2] [6]
1853–18601853 Peake 30 ft (9.1 m)Built in Penzance by Semmens & Thomas. [7] [6]
1860–1865Alexandra1860Peake30 ft (9.1 m)Named in 1863. [6]
1865–1884Richard Lewis1865 Standard Self–righter 32 feet (9.8 m) [16] [12]
1884–189549Dora1884Standard Self–righter34 ft (10 m)Sold 1895 and broken up in Ireland 1980. [17] [18] [19]
1895–1899378Elizabeth and Blanche1895Standard Self–righter36 ft (11 m) [20] [21]
1899–1908424Elizabeth and Blanche1899 Watson 38 ft (12 m)Moved to Newlyn in 1908 and then to Penlee in 1913. Sold 1922 and last reported in use as a yacht at Falmouth in 1969. [20] [22]
1908–1912341Cape of Good Hope1892Standard Self–righter34 ft (10 m)Originally stationed at Runswick. [21]
1912–1917386Janet Hoyle1895Standard Self–righter34 ft (10 m)Originally stationed at Ayr. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penlee lifeboat disaster</span> Disaster at sea off Cornwall (1981)

The Penlee lifeboat disaster occurred on 19 December 1981 off the coast of Cornwall, England. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat Solomon Browne, based at the Penlee Lifeboat Station near Mousehole, went to the aid of the vessel Union Star after its engines failed in heavy seas. After the lifeboat had rescued four people, both vessels were lost with all hands. Sixteen people died, including eight volunteer lifeboatmen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padstow Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat Station is based at Trevose Head west of Padstow

Padstow Lifeboat Station has been at Trevose Head west of Padstow, Cornwall, since 1967. Before that it was at Hawker's Cove on the Camel estuary between the town and the sea. The lifeboat station is run by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and since 2006 has been the base for Tamar-class RNLB Spirit of Padstow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI Lifeboat Station in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat station, England

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat station is a RNLI base in Norfolk, England. There were originally two separate stations at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston – two coastal towns either side of the River Yare. These were merged in 1926.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Mumbles Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI lifeboat station in Swansea, Wales

The Mumbles Lifeboat Station is at Mumbles Pier, located at the south-western corner of Swansea Bay, near the village of Mumbles, within the city and county of Swansea, in the historic county of Glamorgan, Wales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falmouth Lifeboat Station</span> Royal National Lifeboat Institution base in Cornwall, United Kingdom

Falmouth Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Falmouth, Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1867 and the present station was opened in 1993. It operates a Severn Class all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fowey Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat Station in Passage Street, United Kingdom

Fowey Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The first lifeboat was stationed in the area in 1859 and the present station was opened in 1997. It operates a Trent Class all weather boat (AWB) and a D class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Appledore Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Devon, England

Appledore Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Appledore, Devon, England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1825 and the present station was opened in 2001. It operates a Tamar-class all-weather boat (ALB) and an Atlantic 85 B Class inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Ives Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI Lifeboat Station in Cornwall, United Kingdom

St Ives Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at St Ives, Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The first lifeboat was built for the town in 1840 and the present boathouse was opened in 1994. It operates a Shannon-class All-weather boat (AWB) and a D-class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penlee Lifeboat Station</span> Base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Penlee Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations for Mount's Bay in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The lifeboat station operated at various locations in Penzance from the early 19th century. It moved to Penlee Point near Mousehole in 1913, thus gaining its current name, but was moved to Newlyn in 1983 without any change of name. The station is remembered for the loss of the entire lifeboat crew on 19 December 1981.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weymouth Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station on the South coast of England, UK

Weymouth Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Weymouth in Dorset, England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1869. It currently operates a Severn-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salcombe Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station on the South coast of Devon in the UK

Salcombe Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Salcombe, Devon in England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1869. The Salcombe Lifeboat has twice capsized, in 1916 with the loss of 13 lives, and in 1983 with no loss of life. Since 2008 the station has operated a Tamar-class all weather boat (ALB) and an Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teignmouth Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Devon, England

Teignmouth Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Teignmouth, Devon in England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1851 but the station was closed from 1940 until 1990. Since 2006 it has operated an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poole Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI Lifeboat Station in Poole, England

Poole Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Poole, Dorset in England. The first lifeboat was stationed at Poole Harbour in 1865 and the present station was opened in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI Lifeboat Station in Sennen Cove, United Kingdom

Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations for the sea around Land's End, Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The first lifeboat was stationed at Sennen Cove in 1853. Since 2009 it has operated a Tamar-class all weather boat (ALB) and a D-class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exmouth Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Devon, England

Exmouth Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Exmouth, Devon, England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the town in 1803 and the present station was opened in 2009. In 2014 a new Shannon-class 25-knot all-weather boat (ALB) went on station. Also operated is a D-class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Torbay Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Devon, England

Torbay Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Brixham, Devon in England. Brixham Lifeboat Station was opened in 1866 but since 1924 has been known as 'Torbay'. Since 2005 it has operated a Severn-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) together with a D-class (IB1) inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Looe Lifeboat Station</span> RNLI Lifeboat Station in England

Looe Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Looe, Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Lifeboat Station</span> Royal National Lifeboat Institution base in England

Plymouth Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations at Plymouth in England. The first lifeboat was stationed in the city in the early 1800s. The station moved to its present site at Millbay Docks in 1992, a Grade II-listed three-storey tower. Since 2003 it has operated a Severn-class all-weather boat (ALB) along with an B-class Atlantic inshore lifeboat (ILB).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portpatrick Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Troon, United Kingdom

Portpatrick Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboats at Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It opened in 1877 and today operates an all-weather lifeboat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Campbeltown Lifeboat Station</span> Lifeboat station in Argyll, Scotland

Campbeltown Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat at Campbeltown in Argyll, Scotland. It opened in 1861 and today operates both inshore and all-weather lifeboats.

References

  1. 1 2 Leach, Nicholas (2006) [2000]. Cornwall's Lifeboat Heritage. Chacewater: Twelveheads Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN   0-906294-43-6.
  2. 1 2 Leach 2006, p. 8.
  3. "Provincial Occurrences". New Monthly Magazine. July 1824. p. 322. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  4. "Plans for the new Penzance lifeboat station ...". The Cornishman. No. 311. 3 July 1884. p. 4.
  5. 1 2 "Additional stations and new life-boats". Life-boat. Vol. 12, no. 137. 1885. p. 637.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Campey, Rachael (2017). Penlee Lifeboat Station. Royal National Lifeboat Institution. pp. 49–52.
  7. 1 2 Leach 2006, pp. 41–42.
  8. Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. p. 106.
  9. "Former Penzance lifeboat house". Historic England. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  10. "Services of the life-boats of the National Life-boat Institution". Life-boat. Vol. 5, no. 58. 1865. p. 735.
  11. "Services of the life-boats of the National Life-boat Institution". Life-boat. Vol. 6, no. 62. 1866. pp. 230–231.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Campey 2017, pp. 53–58.
  13. "Life-boat perils in Mounts Bay". Life-boat. Vol. 7, no. 73. 1869. pp. 231–234.
  14. Lewis, Richard (1874). History of the Life-boat and its work (2nd ed.). Macmillan. pp. 126–130.
  15. "Services of the life-boats of the National Life-boat Institution". Life-boat. Vol. 9, no. 95. 1875. p. 212.
  16. Penn, Peter (20 September 1883). "Our Lifeboat and her Crew". The Cornishman. No. 271. p. 4.
  17. "The New Penzance Lifeboat Dora". The Cornishman. No. 296. 13 March 1884. p. 7.
  18. Campey 2017, pp. 58–60.
  19. Leonard & Denton 2024, pp. 4–5.
  20. 1 2 Campey 2017, pp. 60–65.
  21. 1 2 Leonard & Denton 2024, pp. 16–17.
  22. 1 2 Leonard & Denton 2024, pp. 18–19.