A new exhibition exploring the Isle of Man’s remarkable maritime heritage and honouring the 200th anniversary of the RNLI opened at the House of Manannan on Saturday, February 17.
‘All at Sea’ uncovers some of the tragic events in Manx waters which motivated Manx resident, Sir William Hillary to establish a national maritime lifesaving institution.
The story of the Herring Fleet Disaster features in the exhibition in which thirty-six men and fifty boats were lost in Douglas on 20 September 1787.
Just one incident of thousands in only 12 nautical miles of Manx waters, ‘All at Sea’ presents stories of some of those shipwrecks and their inextricable link to the foundation of today’s RNLI.
Maritime heritage
Two hundred years ago, Hillary’s mission was to ensure the preservation of life, to assist vessels in distress, to preserve vessels and property, to prevent plunder, to support those rescued and to provide suitable rewards for rescuers. His was a vision to save all at sea.
These events directly influenced his idea for what would become one of the most respected organisations in the world.
Allison Fox, Manx National Heritage Curator for Archaeology said: “Over two thousand ships have tragically met their final fate around the coast of the Isle of Man. All have a place in our Island’s history from trawlers to merchant vessels, paddle steamers, lifeboats and leisure crafts.
“The fate of more than twenty vessels are explored in ’All at Sea’, alongside lifesaving equipment, medals and poignant objects from the Island’s shipwrecks.”
Allison Fox, Manx National Heritage Curator for Archaeology
The gold medal awarded to Sir William Hillary for founding the RNLI has kindly been loaned to the exhibition by the RNLI Heritage Collection Trust.
“Manx National Heritage extends thanks to all those who have supported the exhibition including researcher, Adrian Corkill, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution,” Allison said.
Allen Corlett, Chair of the RNLI’s Isle of Man 200th Anniversary Panel and Lifeboat Operations Manager at Peel Lifeboat Station, said:
“The RNLI has a remarkable history in the Isle of Man which ‘All at Sea’ captures so poignantly – from Sir William Hillary’s vision to the ethos of today’s volunteers and supporters who continue to power the charity’s lifesaving work.
“We hope visitors to the House of Manannan exhibition will be moved by the tragic stories it tells but also inspired that our founder’s legacy survives today, as the RNLI marks its 200th anniversary.”
‘All at Sea’ is on display from Saturday, February 17 until January 5, 2025 at the House of Manannan in Peel.
Admission is free, with donations welcome.
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