The latest contribution from the Branch Historian – Les Bridgwater

The oldest lifeboat in the world which still exists is (Aug 10) 208 years old. It can be seen at the Zetland Museum in Redcard, Yorkshire

Zetland served at Redcar for 78 years from the day that the Station was established. In that time it saved over 500 lives until retirement in 1880.

The Zetland was built by Henry greathead , a ships carpenter, in response to an advert for a competition. The competition was for the design of a lifeboat to go on service.

Greathead won the first prize of two guineas (two pounds two shillings or £2.10 in decimal currency) for his design and many other boats of his design were built.

The museum can be found on the A66 between Whitby and Hartlepool.