The Founding Father

When Helen and I started on this incredible challenge we knew very little about the history of the RNLI. As we learnt more, it became apparent during the 200^th anniversary year that we needed to find our more about its “Founding Father”, Sir William Hillary. Indeed Allan’s original plan was to finish the challenge on the Isle of Man where Sir William resided for much of his life. That plan changed but we still wanted to absorb the history of the Institution during our visit to the Island in February 2026.

Sir William Hillary, 1771 – 1847

William was born January 4^th 1771 in Yorkshire, son to Quaker merchant Richard Hillary and his wife Hannah Wynne. He became well-travelled, leaving Liverpool at  the age of 26, he headed to Italy where he became equerry to Prince Augustus Frederick, the young son of George III.  William was sent on a mission to Malta and on to Berlin with the incognito Prince. He left the employment with the Prince and returned to London in 1799.

William married Frances in 1800 and they had twins, Augustus and Elizabeth. He inherited some wealth from property left by his fathers business partner and West Indian estates from his elder brother, but he quickly dissipated the large fortune and had to sell his own properties.

His military involvement saw him given the title of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant and Baronet in 1805. After experiencing financial difficulties Hillary settled in a rented house on Prospect Hill overlooking Douglas Harbour, in 1808. In 1813 he married a local Manx woman, Emma Tobin, following the death of Frances.

Lifesaver

Over several years, Sir William witnessed many tragic shipwrecks in the bay, but on October 6^th 1822 one took place that so moved him that he set about trying to organize a national lifeboat society.

At the height of a storm on that day, the Royal Navy Cutter Vigilant, floundered on St Mary’s Reef. Sir William gathered sufficient volunteers to crew two local boats in the harbour. Under his leadership they fought their way out to the Cutter and succeeded in towing her to the safety of the harbour. Sir William and the volunteers continued to rescue sailors for several more days and it is thought that he helped to save some 97 lives during that storm.

“Appeal to the British Nation”

As a direct result of these events of 1822, Sir William became convinced of the need for a nationally organized lifeboat service funded by voluntary donations. In December 1822 he wrote “For many years and in various countries, the .. shipwrecks I have witnessed, have excited a powerful interest in my mind for the situation… that would result from the establishment of a national institution for the preservation of life from the perils of the sea”.

On 28^th February 1823, Sir William published his now famous “Appeal to the British Nation”. The response to his scheme from the Admiralty was poor, so he appealed to philanthropists in London including Thomas Wilson, MP for the City of London. On 4^th March 1824, the ‘National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck’ was formed at its inaugural meeting the City of London Tavern in Bishopsgate. His Majesty King George IV gave his approval on 20^th March for the word ‘Royal’ to be added to the title. It was not until 1854 that the name was changed to the ‘Royal National Lifeboat Institution’ or RNLI as we know it today. Office premises were acquired in the City of London and the first of the new lifeboats were stationed at Douglas.

RNLI Gold Medal depicting Sir William Hillary

Medals

Hillary was awarded several gold medals for gallantry. Three for courageous actions during rescues and one honorary medal for founding the RNLI itself. Hillary worked as part of the Douglas crew saving over 300 people from drowning despite not being able to swim himself. To this day, particularly brave efforts on the part of RNLI crews attract medals for gallantry. Lifeboat stations proudly note all services they attend upon boards mounted on their inner station walls.

The medal system is still in use today by the RNLI to acknowledge significant acts of gallantry in saving lives at sea. Since 1824, 119 Gold Medals for Gallantry and 32 Honorary Gold Medals have been awarded. RNLI Gallantry Medals can be awarded to anyone for gallantry, not just RNLI crew. Although today the majority of those receiving medals are crew members, often the earlier medallists were not crew such as Grace Darling, members of the Coastguard and Navy, fishermen and even clergy. The most decorated crew member was Henry Blogg, receiving 3 Gold and 4 Silver medal in his incredible service.

Memorials

Whilst on the Isle of Man we took the opportunity to visit some of the key memorials to this remarkable man. First we headed to the top of Douglas Head where a statue of Sir William stands. He is shown wearing a long coat and boots, with both hands pulling the collar of his coat tight to his neck. He is looking out over the bay towards the Tower of Refuge, the historic landmark on St Mary’s Reef, that has saved many lives. The statue was unveiled in 1999 by H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent.

Along Loch Promenade lies the Sunken Gardens which are home to the memorial to the wreck of the St. George. The work depicts Sir William Hillary and crew striving to save survivors from the St. George, wrecked in Douglas Bay in 1830, and honours the courage of lifeboat crews through the ages. The bronze cenotaph was unveiled on the 29th of June 2002 as part of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Douglas lifeboat.

Heading into town we visited the imposing St Georges Church, the last resting place of Hillary. Sir William Hillary died on 5^th January 1847 at the age of 77. His tomb is situated just inside the churchyard together with a memorial plaque unveiled in 1921. It acts as a national monument to the memory of this great man, who, it is recorded, had personally helped to save 305 lives.

Sir William Hillary left a lifesaving legacy that continues to this day,  with lifeboat stations and crews around the coast dedicating their time and risking their lives to keep us safe on the water.