Commemorative Statue Unveiled for RNLI’s 200th Anniversary

Crowds assembled in a North Yorkshire coastal town to witness the unveiling of a statue marking 200 years of the RNLI. Members of the Whitby RNLI crew and volunteers joined the attendees at Khyber Pass, in Whitby, on Saturday, to observe the realization of their station mechanic Richard Dowson’s concept for the sculpture. The sculpture portrays Henry Freeman, who was the sole survivor of a lifeboat disaster in 1861. Lesley Jackson, one of his descendants, who funded the entire cost of the sculpture after learning of the proposal, stated that the statue held significant personal and familial importance. Mr. Freeman survived the incident because he was the only crew member wearing a new cork lifejacket. He subsequently received a medal for his bravery. During a speech delivered at the unveiling, Ms. Jackson remarked: “It not only represents Henry Freeman’s bravery but the bravery of the volunteers who continue to save lives at sea to this day.” An antique rowing lifeboat was also present at the event, serving to demonstrate the extent of change in technology and equipment over the years. Mr. Dowson mentioned that he suggested local artist Emma Stothard for the statue’s creation after encountering a series of similar sculptures by her around Whitby. He commented: “Emma Stothard has worked tirelessly on the sculpture, perfectly capturing Henry’s character, which is not an easy task with wire, but she has done a fantastic job.“We hope that both locals and visitors to the town will enjoy the sculpture and pop into the museum to learn more about the RNLI’s history in Whitby.“Many thanks to Lesley for her kind donation which has made this project possible and also many others who have helped along the way.”