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Old Lifeboat Station at Lossiemouth
Former lifeboat station Castletown, IOM

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) stations are the bases for the RNLI's fleet of search and rescue lifeboats that cover the coastal waters around the entire British Isles, as well as major inland waterways.

The service was established in 1824 as the Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS), later to become the RNLI in 1854, and is operated largely by volunteers. Its headquarters are at Poole, Dorset and it is a registered charity in both the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

This is a list of former RNIPLS stations (dates up to 1854) and RNLI stations (dates from 1854), primarily those where the RNLI has ceased operations from that particular location, village or town.

Some RNLI sites, where the station is still in operation, but not necessarily at the original location, will be included in the List of RNLI stations.

Regions

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The information is correct with reference to the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024 unless noted otherwise,[1] and is set out like the RNLI's divisional model. As far as possible it follows a clockwise route around the coast.

List of stations by Region

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North & East Region

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Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Holy Island Holy Island, Northumberland 1865–1968 Two boathouses.
1: Now Lindisfarne Lifeboat Museum [2]
2: Harbour Boathouse with slipway; demolished
Holy Island No.2 Snook Point, Holy Island, Northumberland 1868–1934 Just the stone piles remain.
Bamburgh Castle Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland 1882–1897 The Boat House, currently a holiday let
Boulmer Boulmer, Northumberland 1825–1968 Now home to Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service[3]
Alnmouth Alnmouth, Northumberland 1854–1935 2024, Alnmouth Community Rowing Club[4]
Hauxley Hauxley, Northumberland 1853–1939 Private residence
Cresswell Cresswell, Northumberland 1875–1944 Now Cresswell Village Hall
Whitburn Whitburn, Tyne and Wear 1818–1918 Now the site of Whitburn Angling Club. No evidence remains.
Hendon Beach Sunderland, Tyne and Wear 1902–1912 No evidence remains.
Seaham Seaham, County Durham 1855–1979 1870 boathouse now forms part of the East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Museum.
Remains of the 1909 boathouse and slipway are still visible.
Crimdon Dene Crimdon Dene, County Durham 1966–1993 ILB Station.
West Hartlepool Hartlepool, County Durham 1847–1906
Seaton Carew Seaton Carew, County Durham 1824–1922 No evidence remains
Seaton Snook Seaton Carew, County Durham 1907–1909 No evidence remains
Middlesbrough Middlesbrough, Borough of Middlesbrough 1854–1895 Boathouse demolished by 1913. No evidence remains
Teesmouth South Gare, North Yorkshire 1829–1842
1911–2006 		Station demolished after 2006. Little or no evidence remains.
Saltburn Saltburn, Redcar and Cleveland 1849–1917
1919–1922 		Station building demolished before 1927. No evidence remains
Runswick Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire 1866–1978 Tractor store used by Runswick Bay Rescue Boat since 1982[5]
Upgang Whitby, North Yorkshire 1865–1919 No evidence remains
Robin Hood's Bay Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire 1881–1931 Boathouse now a shelter / public toilets
Barmston Barmston, East Riding of Yorkshire 1884–1898 Boathouse demolished, but some foundations may remain
Hornsea Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire 1852–1924 Private residence
Easington Easington, East Riding of Yorkshire 1913–1933 No evidence remains
Grimsby Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire 1882–1927 No evidence remains
Humber Mouth Humberston, North East Lincolnshire 1965–1980 ILB Station.
Donna Nook Donna Nook, Lincolnshire 1829–1931 Located at the site of what became RAF Donna Nook. No evidence remains.
Theddlethorpe Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire 1828–1882 Theddlethorpe closed in 1882 due to difficulties launching and lack of crew. No evidence remains.
Sutton Sutton, Lincolnshire 1864–1913 Meridale Centre
Chapel Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire 1870–1898 Building remains, currently a discount store.
Gibraltar Point Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire 1825–1830 Transferred to Lincs. Coast Shipwreck Assoc. in 1827. No evidence remains.
Brancaster Brancaster, Norfolk 1874–1935 No evidence remains on site. Service board hangs in St Mary's Church, Brancaster
Blakeney Blakeney, Norfolk 1862–1935 National Trust - Blakeney National Nature Reserve[6]
Mundesley Mundesley, Norfolk 1867–1895 Mundesley Volunteer Lifeboat
Bacton Bacton, Norfolk 1857–1882
Palling Palling, Norfolk 1852–1930 No evidence of Old Lifeboat Station.
Independent lifeboat operated since 1972 by Sea Palling Independent Rescue[7]
Winterton Winterton, Norfolk 1823–1925 Just the building foundations remain
Caister Caister, Norfolk 1845–1969 Station now run by Caister Volunteer Lifeboat Service[8]
Corton Corton, Suffolk 1869–1879 No evidence remains
South Broads Oulton Broad, Suffolk 2001–2011 ILB Station.
Pakefield Pakefield, Suffolk 1865–1922 Two previous boathouses; neither survive
Kessingland Kessingland, Suffolk 1867–1936 Very modified private residence
Dunwich Dunwich, Suffolk 1873–1903 Converted to a cafe
Thorpeness Thorpeness, Suffolk 1855–1900 No evidence remains
Orford Orford, Suffolk 1826–1835
Woodbridge Haven Shingle Street, Suffolk 1826–1853

South East Region

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Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Kingsgate Kingsgate, Kent 1862–1897 No evidence remains
Broadstairs Broadstairs, Kent 1868–1912 Harbour Office and Gift Shop
North Deal North Deal, Kent 1865–1932 Deal Angling Club
Kingsdown Kingsdown, Kent 1866–1927 Private residence
Folkestone Folkestone, Kent 1893–1930 Lifeboat house demolished after 1936.
No evidence remains.
Site recently redeveloped.
Hythe, Sandgate & Folkestone Seabrook, Kent 1876–1893 Lifeboat house demolished in 1956.
No evidence remains.
Hythe Hythe, Kent 1893–1940 Two boathouses still remain, one located behind the second.
Dymchurch Dymchurch, Kent 1826–1838 Was located at Martello Tower No.27 at Dymchurch, but named 'Dungeness No.27 Tower' Lifeboat Station until 1836. Station closed in 1838. Tower No.27 demolished in 1841. Pic - Martello Tower No.25
New Romney New Romney, Kent 1871–1928 Boathouse demolished to extend Marine Parade into Coast Road.
Rye Camber Sands, East Sussex 1832–1854
1854–1901 		Two boat houses; maybe the earliest survives
Winchelsea, Winchelsea, East Sussex 1856–1928 Renamed Rye Harbour in 1910.
Worthing[9] Worthing, West Sussex 1865–1930
1964–1967 		Private residence: 107 Marine Parade
Chichester Harbour West Wittering, West Sussex 1867–1884 No evidence remains
Southsea Southsea, Portsmouth 1886–1918 Formerly on the promenade at Southsea Common; no evidence remains
Ryde Ryde, Isle of Wight 1894–1923 Boathouse located on the Pier; no evidence remains.
Atherfield Atherfield, Isle of Wight 1890–1915 No evidence of boathouse remains, but the 1:3 steep slipway down the cliff may still be visible[10]
Brighstone Grange Brighstone Grange, Isle of Wight 1860–1915 Now a site for static caravans; little evidence remains
Brook Brook, Isle of Wight 1860–1937 Derelict ruin
Totland Bay Totland Bay, Isle of Wight 1885–1924 Community Hall?

South West Region

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Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Bournemouth Bournemouth, Dorset 1965–1972 ILB Station.
Studland Studland, Dorset 1826–1848 No evidence remains
Chapman's Pool Chapman's Pool, Dorset 1866–1880
Kimmeridge Kimmeridge, Dorset 1868–1896 No evidence remains
Portland Isle of Portland, Dorset 1826–1851
St Sampson Saint Sampson, Guernsey, Guernsey 1861–1878
1880–1881
La Lande Guernsey 1878–1880
Sidmouth Sidmouth, Devon 1869–1912 A doorway arch marked RNLBI is all that remains of the old station, located across the road from the new independent Sidmouth lifeboat station, opened in 1968.[11]
Torquay Beacon Cove, Torquay, Devon 1876–1928 No evidence remains. [12]
Hope Cove Hope Cove, Devon 1878–1930 Now used as a store.[13]
Yealm River Newton Ferrers, Devon 1878–1927 Private residence.[13]
Polkerris Polkerris, Cornwall 1859–1922 Moved to Fowey where it was easier to find a crew. The boathouse is now a café.[14]
Mevagissey Mevagissey, Cornwall 1869–1930 The lifeboat was based in the village of Portmellon until 1888 when it was moved to Mevagissey. The Portmellon boathouse is now a private residence, and the slipway is still visible. The boathouse at Mevagissey is now an aquarium.[14]
Portloe Portloe, Cornwall 1870–1887 A boathouse built in 1877 is now a private residence.[14]
Porthoustock Porthoustock, Cornwall 1869–1942 Now used as a village hall.[14]
Coverack Coverack, Cornwall 1901–1980 The 1901 boathouse is now a Fish & Chip restaurant/ take-away.[15]
Mullion Cove Mullion Cove, Cornwall 1867–1908 Private residence.[15]
Porthleven Porthleven, Cornwall 1863–1929 Building later used as a shipwreck museum. Now an art studio.
Marazion St Michael's Mount, Cornwall 1990–2001 ILB Station.[15]
Penzance Penzance, Cornwall 1803–1917 Station closed between 1812–1826 and again 1828-1851. A boathouse built in 1884 still stands.[15]
St Agnes, IOS St Agnes, Isles of Scilly 1890–1920 Boathouse now used as a store.[16]
Hayle Hayle, Cornwall 1866–1920 After closure, boat house moved, used as a store, then demolished about 1980.[17]
Now a builders yard, no evidence remains.
Morte Bay Morte Bay, Woolacombe, Devon 1871–1900 An outstation from Ilfracombe. The boathouse is now a beach / surf hire shop.
Lynmouth Lynmouth, Devon 1869–1944 Destroyed in the Lynmouth flood of 1952 but rebuilt and is now the Flood Memorial Hall.[18]
Watchet Watchet, Somerset 1875–1944 Now Watchet Community Library.[19]
Pill Pill, Somerset 1971–1974

Wales, West & Isle of Man Region

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Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Atlantic College Atlantic College, Vale of Glamorgan 1963–2013 Continues training and building boats
Llanelli Llanelli, Carmarthenshire 1854–1863
1869–1871[1] 		In 1863, station transferred to Pembrey[20]
Pembrey Pembrey, Carmarthenshire 1863–1887 Sand forced closure; lifeboat station moved to Burry Port.[20]
No evidence remains.
Carmarthen Bay,
Ferryside 		Ferryside, Carmarthenshire 1860–1960 Renamed Ferryside in 1892
Independent lifeboat service since 1966[21]
Carmarthen Laugharne, Carmarthenshire 1835–1843
Solva Solva, Pembrokeshire 1869–1887 Station dedicated 1869[22][23]
Newport Newport, Pembrokeshire 1884–1895 Private residence
[24]
Llanaelhaearn Llanaelhaearn, Gwynedd 1883–1901 Located at Trefor Pier[25]
Llanddwyn Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey 1826–1907 Boathouse / Store
Rhosneigr Rhosneigr, Anglesey 1872–1924 Boathouse / Store
Rhoscolyn Rhoscolyn, Anglesey 1830–1929 Two former lifeboat houses remain, 1877 (private dwelling), 1903 (holiday let)
Porth Ruffydd Holy Island, Anglesey 1891–1904 The steps, and some rubble, are all that remains of the former lifeboat station.[26]
Cemlyn Cemlyn, Anglesey 1828–1872
1877–1919 		Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive
Cemaes Porth yr Ogof, Cemaes, Anglesey 1872–1932 Derelict, some foundations and slipway survive[27]
Bull Bay Bull Bay, Anglesey 1868–1926 Yacht & Boat Club
Penmon Penmon, Anglesey 1831–1915 Former boathouse is now a holiday let
Llanddulas Llanddulas, Conwy 1869–1932 Former boathouse is now a private residence
Mostyn Mostyn, Flintshire 1835–1850 No evidence remains
Castletown Castletown, Isle of Man 1826–1842
1856–1922 		Former boathouse is now a private residence
Formby Formby, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton 1894–1919 Some foundations still visible in shifting sand.
Southport Southport, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton 1860–1925 Later used by Southport Independent Lifeboat. Currently unused.
Lytham Lytham, Lancashire 1851–1931 Lifeboat Museum
St Annes St Annes, Lancashire 1881–1925 Former boathouse is now a funeral directors
Seascale Seascale, Cumbria 1875–1895 Site is now part of a car park. No evidence remains.
Whitehaven Whitehaven, Cumbria 1865–1924 Demolished; now Whitehaven Marina Yard. No evidence remains.
Maryport Maryport, Cumbria 1865–1949 East Wall of old lifeboat house still standing

Scotland Region

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Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Balcary Auchencairn, Dumfries and Galloway 1884–1931 Private residence
Whithorn Isle of Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway 1869–1919 Ruin; now the location for the Witness Cairn[28]
Port Logan Port Logan, Dumfries and Galloway 1866–1932 Village Hall
Ballantrae Ballantrae, South Ayrshire 1871–1919 Boat House / store
Ayr Ayr, South Ayrshire 1859–1932 Seafood restaurant (Closed)
Irvine Irvine, North Ayrshire 1860–1914 Demolished; now a car park
Ardrossan Ardrossan, North Ayrshire 1869–1930 Was located on the West Pier, near the lighthouse, demolished.
Southend (Kintyre) Southend, Argyll, Argyll 1869–1930 Holiday let
Machrihanish Machrihanish, Argyll 1912–1930 Boathouse / store
Kildonan Kildonan, Arran 1870–1901 Boathouse still standing, use undetermined
Stronsay Stronsay, Orkney 1909–1920
1952–1972 		Two station buildings, believe both still exist
Huna Huna, Caithness 1877–1930 Store
Ackergill Ackergill, Caithness 1878–1932 Boathouse / store, and separate slipway still exist.
Dornoch Firth and Embo Embo, Sutherland, Highland 1886–1904 No evidence found
Cromarty Cromarty, Highland 1911–1968 Demolished?
Nairn Nairn, Highland 1878–1911 New housing development; no evidence of lifeboat house
Lossiemouth Lossiemouth, Moray 1859–1923 Marine engineers workshop
Whitehills Whitehills, Aberdeenshire 1924–1969 Private residence
Banff and Macduff Banff, Aberdeenshire 1860–1917
1921–1924 		1860 boathouse demolished in 1877. 1877 boathouse is now private residence
Whitelink Bay St Combs, Aberdeenshire 1878–1905 Demolished; now Inverallochy Golf Course
Port Errol Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire 1877–1914
1915–1921 		Private residence
Newburgh Newburgh, Aberdeenshire 1828–1841
1877–1965 		Boathouse / Store
Gourdon Gourdon, Aberdeenshire 1878–1969 1.Private residence on William Street
2.Maggie Law Maritime Museum
Johnshaven Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire 1891–1928 Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum
Budden Ness Monifieth, Angus 1830–1863
1867–1894 		No evidence remains
St Andrews[29] St Andrews, Fife 1860–1938 St Andrews Sailing Club
Crail Crail, Fife 1884–1923 Crail Golf Course Store
Buckhaven Buckhaven, Fife 1900–1932 Derelict lifeboat house demolished in 1960s; harbour filled in.
Skateraw Skateraw. East Lothian 1907–1943 Demolished
St Abbs St Abbs, Scottish Borders 1911–2015 Boathouse in use with St Abbs Independent Lifeboat[30]

Ireland Region

[edit]
Station[1] Location Dates[1] Comments Photo
Carrickfergus Carrickfergus,
County Antrim 		1896–1913 Boathouse was constructed alongside the pier. Only the pilings now remain.
Groomsport Groomsport,
County Down 		1858–1920 Community hall
Ballywalter Ballywalter,
County Down 		1866–1906 Boat House / Store in 2012.
Portavogie Portavogie,
County Down 		1965–1981
Cloghy[31] Cloughey,
County Down 		1888–1965 Private residence
St John's Point St. John's Point,
County Down 		1835–1843 Private residence
Rossglass,
Killough 		Rossglass, Killough,
County Down 		1825–1835
1901–1914 		Private residence
Tyrella Tyrella,
County Down 		1838–1851
1860–1899 		Building still there.
Greenore Greenore,
County Louth 		1894–1920 Vacant building
Giles Quay Gyles' Quay,
County Louth 		1879–1912 Private residence
Blackrock Blackrock,
County Louth 		1859–1879
1880–1935 		Building still there
Baltray Baltray,
County Louth 		1856–1899 Drogheda No.1 Station
Mornington Mornington,
County Meath 		1872–1926 Drogheda No.2 Station
Derelict for many years, converted to a private residence in 2007.[32]
Balbriggan Balbriggan,
County Dublin 		1875–1898 Lifeboat house constructed underneath railway arch. The building is now used for storage.
Rogerstown Rogerstown Estuary,
Dublin 		1874–1882
Poolbeg Poolbeg,
Dublin 		1862–1959 Was at the small harbour west of Poolbeg disused power station. No evidence remains.
Greystones Greystones,
County Wicklow 		1872–1895 Barista and Ice Cream Bar
Cahore Ballygarrett,
County Wexford 		1857–1916 Disused? store, located next to Cahore Independent Lifeboat house
Carnsore Carnsore Point,
County Wexford 		1859–1897
Duncannon Duncannon,
County Wexford 		1869–1886 Boathouse / store at Duncannon pier
Ardmore Ardmore,
County Waterford 		1858–1895 Private residence
Queenstown Cobh,
County Waterford 		1866–1920 Cobh Sea Scout HQ
Derrynane Derrynane,
County Kerry 		1844–1855 Boathouse believed to be white building next to Derrynane Beach Car Park
Westport Inishlyre,
County Mayo 		1857–1862 Boathouse / Store
Killybegs Killybegs,
County Donegal 		1941–1945
Culdaff Culdaff,
County Donegal 		1892–1913 Boathouse / store
Greencastle Port Blaney, Greencastle,
County Donegal 		1864–1928 Private residence

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboats Enthusiasts Society. pp. 4–132.
  2. ^ "The Lifeboat Museum". Visit Lindisfarne. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service". Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Old Lifeboat Station, Alnmouth". Co-Curate. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Runswick Bay Rescue Boat". Runswick Bay Rescue. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  6. ^ "NT - Blakeney National Nature Reserve". Visit East of England. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Sea Palling Lifeboat". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Caister Lifeboat". Caister Lifeboat. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Worthing Lifeboat Town". Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Atherfield Lifeboat". Wightpedia. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  11. ^ Leach, Nicholas (2009). Devon's Lifeboat Heritage. Chacewater: Twelveheads Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN 978-0-906294-72-7.
  12. ^ Leach 2009, p. 13.
  13. ^ a b Leach 2009, pp. 28–29.
  14. ^ a b c d Leach, Nicholas (2006). Cornwall's Lifeboat Heritage. Twelveheads Press. pp. 35–39. ISBN 0-906294-43-6.
  15. ^ a b c d Leach 2006, pp. 38–41.
  16. ^ Leach 2006, p. 43.
  17. ^ Leach 2006, p. 45.
  18. ^ Leach 2009, pp. 49–50.
  19. ^ Farr, Grahame (1974). Ships and Harbours of Exmoor (2nd ed.). The Exmoor Press. p. 61. ISBN 0-900131-15-2.
  20. ^ a b "RNLI: Burry Port". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  21. ^ "Ferryside Lifeboat - History". Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  22. ^ "Dedication stone, Solva lifeboat station". Geograph. Geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  23. ^ "Lifeboat Station, Solva (544165)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  24. ^ "The Cwm, old lifeboat station". Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Lifeboat House, Trefor Pier (518861)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Porth Ruffydd Lifeboat Station". coflein. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  27. ^ "Cemaes Bay Lifeboat Station". Coflein,gov.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Witness Cairn". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  29. ^ "ST ANDREWS HAD A LIFEBOAT STATION". St Andrews Museum. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  30. ^ "St Abbs Lifeboat". St Abbs Lifeboat. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  31. ^ "Portaferry Lifeboat - History". Portaferrylifeboat.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  32. ^ "The Boathouse put up for sale". Irish Independent. 8 September 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
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