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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.

Lifeboat H.F. Bailey in the Henry Blogg Museum

Photo: Richard James Taylor

Coxswain Henry Blogg in 1940 by Margaret L. Hodgson

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.

Read more about Henry’s life

Virtual visits

Before your visit, why not explore our historic lifeboat virtually?

Explore our lifeboat museum virtually

 

Inside RNLI Henry Blogg Museum

Photo: RNLI

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

School children take part in a sea survivors activity session

Photo: RNLI

School children take part in a sea survivors activity session.

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:


Monte the dogMonte the dog rescue activity illustration

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

Naval Architect Challenge Henry Blogg Museum activity

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

Rescue to the Sepoy activity illustrationDress 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:

Lantern slide showing an imagined rescue, first produced as part of the Junior Lecturers’ Series in 1901Plenty 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

Email

[email protected]

Accessibility

Accessibility guide

Facebook

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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.