Henry Blogg Museum
The Henry Blogg Museum celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history, who served for 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats. With the assistance of his crew, he saved 873 lives from the North Sea.
Coxswain Henry Blogg was a local man who became a national hero. During his 38 years as coxswain, he carried out 387 rescues and helped to save 873 lives. He was awarded many honours, including three Gold and four Silver Medals from the RNLI, the George Cross for general war service and a British Empire Medal. To this day, he remains the most decorated person in RNLI history.
The first of Henry's medal-winning rescues took place in 1917, when his crew launched four times in 14 hours in a terrible storm. Henry, who was awarded his first Gold Medal for the rescue, was commended for his remarkable personality and admirable leadership.
Henry remained as coxswain until he was 74 years old – 10 years beyond statutory retirement age. By that time, he had served a remarkable 53 years on the lifeboat. The Henry Blogg Museum was founded to commemorate Cromer’s local legend.
Virtual visits
Before your visit, why not explore our historic lifeboat virtually?
Explore our lifeboat museum virtually
The museum offers a range of activities to groups of students and young people.
Whether you want to learn more about Henry’s faithful companion Monte, undertake a naval architect challenge, or dress up as Coxswain Blogg himself and re-enact a rescue, there’s an activity for everyone. We can accommodate a range of group sizes and our activities are suitable for ages 4-11.
Please email [email protected] to book your visit in advance.
Survivors
On the night of 2 November 1938, a daring sea rescue took place off the coast of Cromer in Norfolk. For the people on board the SS Cantabria, attacked by a Spanish ship, on fire and sinking into the North Sea, it was life or death. For Henry Blogg and the Cromer lifeboat volunteers, it was business as usual. Suitable for ages 7-11.
Duration: two sessions, 45 minutes each
Maximum pupil capacity: 15 children per session
Lesson plans and resources based on the session:
- Stories from the sea 2017 resources - PDF 11.3MB – explore the museum’s collections and help develop children’s skills in writing and storytelling (Key Stages 1 and 2).
- Lifesaving in Cromer teacher’s resource - PDF 13.4MB – supports the development of children’s skills and confidence in writing and storytelling at Key Stage 2.
Monte the dog
A storytelling session about the rescue of Henry Blogg's faithful companion. Suitable for ages 4–7.
Duration: 20–25 minutes
Maximum pupil capacity: 15 children per session
Naval Architect Challenge
Students explore materials used at sea and undertake the challenge of creating a hull shape for a new lifeboat. Suitable for ages 7–9.
Can be combined with Cromer Museum to create a full day exploring science.
Duration: two sessions, 40–45 minutes each
Maximum pupil capacity: 12 children per session
Rescue to the Sepoy
Dress yourself in Henry Blogg's flat cap or cling onto the mast and pray to be rescued. Our drama workshop explores the feelings of the rescued as well as the rescuers. Suitable for ages 7–11.
Duration: 30–35 minutes each
Maximum pupil capacity: 25 children per session
Coming soon.
A specially created activity suggestion, resources and original photographs are available to download here:
- Sepoy story pack - PDF 951KB – a great way to introduce children to the 1933 rescue, using photographs and captions.
Plenty of visitors have stopped by our museum to take in Cromer’s rich history and learn about Henry Blogg’s courageous rescues.
Take a look at the shining reviews from our delighted visitors on TripAdvisor, who have described our museum as ‘wonderful’, a ‘hidden gem’ and a ‘humbling experience’.
Visit us
Museum address
Henry Blogg Museum
The Rocket House
The Gangway
Cromer
Norfolk
NR27 9ET
Telephone
01263 511294
Accessibility
Opening times
November:
Tuesday to Sunday
10am - 4pm
December:
Saturday and Sunday - 2nd, 3rd, 9th, & 10th only
10am - 4pm
January:
Winter Closure
Admission
Free
How to find us
By foot
The museum is situated at the end of Cromer’s promenade. To avoid the steep gangway, there’s an alternative entrance to the museum from the cliff walkway to the rear of the building, which includes a lift.
By car
Public car parking is available in the town, ¼ mile away.