The RNLI Chatham Museum
Chatham, Kent
Sheerness
Housed in an 1848 covered slip, the Lifeboat Gallery contains 17 historic boats, many of which earned their Coxswains RNLI bravery medals. From an 1897 pulling and sailing lifeboat, to the familiar Arun class and Blue Peter inflatable inshore lifeboats, visitors can explore how lifeboats have evolved over the past century. Interactive displays, archive film and audio clips bring to life the moment of a launch, coping with violent seas and how technology has helped to make ever better, safer boats.
At the Lifeboat Gallery you will see:
St Paul: winner in 1919 of two Silver and 14 Bronze RNLI Medals
Lizzie Porter: a classic pulling and sailing lifeboat from 1909, twice awarded the RNLI Silver Medal and saviour of 77 lives.
James Leath: a pulling and sailing lifeboat which visitors may board
B.A.S. P.: a 1924 Watson class early motor lifeboat
Helen Blake: a unique lifeboat design from 1938, designed to be used in confined waters
Susan Ashley: a Watson motor cabin boat, built in 1948 for slipway and open beach launching
St Cybl: a 52ft (15.8m) Barnett class, famed for her 1966 double gold medal service
North Foreland: Silver medal winner stationed at Margate for 27 years
Grace Darling: Liverpool class from 1954
J G Graves of Sheffield: displayed on a launching carriage, the first Oakley class from 1958
Will and Fanny Kirby: sectioned Oakley, showing the complex self-righting system and engine
Waveney: 44-001- first of the fast, all-weather boats, built in 1964 and credited with 300 services
Edward Bridges: 1974 Arun class and Gold Medal winner which visitors may board.
Mary Gabriel: working Rother class, viewed afloat
The inflatable lifeboats: Atlantic 21s, McLachlan type and D class Blue Peter III - a new breed of lifeboat for inshore rescue
Admission charges to Chatham Historic Dockyard apply
Concession, child and family tickets available
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: The Lifeboat Gallery is situated in an historic Victorian slip in Chatham Historic Dockyard. Click here for map.
Opening times:
Monday - Sunday including bank holidays
12 Feb - 30 Oct: 10am - 6pm (or dusk if earlier)
Nov: weekends only, 10am - 4pm
Dec and Jan: closed
Look at the Shorething website for information on the Blue Peter lifeboats.