Prevention and Protection

Museums' Exhibitions

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Shipwreck! For Those in Peril

Index

Introduction
Prevention and Protection (current page)
Captain George Manby

Introduction

The East Coast has always been one of the most dangerous for shipping in the whole of the British Isles.

The large number of shipwrecks around the coastline of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, and the subsequent loss of lives, remind us that for as long as we have lived close to the coast mankind has fallen victim to the great natural forces of the sea.
Historically the people of the East Coast have responded to the physical challenges of the sea in different ways. Some have cooperated to
come to the aid of their fellow men, risking their lives serving in lifeboats. Others gave their support through humanitarian efforts. This year
sees a number of anniversaries connected with local lifesaving. Artists have depicted the fury of the sea and the bravery of those at its mercy. Many survivors have been deeply
affected by their ordeals. And, long after the drama, those left behind have endeavoured to come to terms with their loss.

This exhibition tells the personal stories of the people who have lived, worked, died and survived on the East Coast.

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Shipwreck! For Those in Peril

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Prevention and Protection

Artificial Respiration

The East of England coast is the location of many treacherous sandbanks, constantly moved by currents, tides and furious storms.

Even for experienced mariners navigating the sandbanks is like negotiating a way through a maze. Both skilled and amateur seamen have often met with disaster. On just one stormy night, in 1692, almost two hundred vessels foundered in the Wash and along the North Norfolk coast, with a loss of over 1000 lives. It is said that during the eighteenth century a winter did not pass without significant loss of life on the Norfolk coast. In the days before satellite navigation these were the every day risks faced by those setting off on trading or fishing trips along the East Coast.

Local beach companies were among the first to engage in rescuing vessels in distress. These ad –hoc organisations saved many lives but by the nineteenth century it was generally felt that a more coordinated approach was needed to life saving at sea. From the 1850s beach companies were gradually merged into a National Service with the founding of the RNLI. Images of models of some of the early local lifeboats are included in this exhibition.