200 Years of Lifesaving at Sea

4 March 2024 sees 200 years since the creation of the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, the organisation that became the RNLI, long dedicated to saving lives on Britain's dramatic and treacherous seas. This evocative photo history looks back at the work of the crews of the RNLI through the lens of the media, charting the many changes to boats and crews over the two centuries of lifesaving, through times of peace and two world wars, and into the modern day. Using extensive newsaper archives, this is an important look back at true bravery, dedication and the power of community over 200 years.