200 years of the RNLI

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Monday 4th March
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Today marks 20 years since the RNLI was formed in the London Tavern on Bishopsgate when Sir William Hillary hosted a meeting which included the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Wilson MP and William Wilberforce where they set out what they wanted the charity to be.

The occasion will be commemorated at various events throughout the year with a thanksgiving service being held at Westminster Abbey today.

So far the RNLI has saved 146,277 lives and remains steadfast in its commitment to rescuing anyone in peril at sea regardless of background.

The RNLI chief executive, Mark Dowie, said "Right from the get-go in 1824, we said that the lifeboat service would rescue whoever needed our help wherever they are. We have been doing that for 200 years. We were pulling German airmen out of the Channel in the second world war."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-68434...