RNLI celebrate The Last Voyage of the Gloucester Exhibition
The RNLI will be working with Norwich Castle as part of The Last Voyage of the Gloucester Exhibition from Tuesday 25 July to Thursday 31 August.
On 6 May 1682, a warship carrying the future King of England and Scotland ran aground in heavy seas off the coast of Great Yarmouth and for over 300 years, the wreck, and its contents lay buried on the seabed.
On show at the exhibition is an array of fascinating objects recovered from the wreck site, as well as the story of what led the ship to running aground and the ongoing historical, scientific, and archaeological research into the wreck and its importance.
In support of its local relevance and World Drowning Prevention Day on Tuesday 25 July, the RNLI will be bringing a contemporary glance into water safety on our Norfolk coasts, looking at the history and impact of its vital services in the local community.
The event will be held in one of the city’s most prestige heritage sites, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, and will run over a course of eight weeks from Tuesday 25 July until Thursday 31 August.
RNLI volunteers across Norfolk will be hosting a range of interactive activities for families to get involved with including crew kit dress ups, water safety, history and education on saving lives at sea.
Rebecca Whyte, RNLI Community Manager, North and East of England, said:
‘The RNLI are very excited to be a part of this special exhibition celebrating important local heritage.
‘Working alongside the team at Norwich Castle, the RNLI will bring lots of activities for families and young people, raising awareness around water safety, the role of RNLI across Norfolk, with special recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day on Tuesday 25 July.
‘Come and see us and learn more about how to get involved with RNLI.’
A performance from the Sheringham Shantymen, a music group who have proudly supported and helped fundraise for the RNLI as well as other charities over the years, will mark the opening of the event.
Jan Pitman, Learning Manager for Norfolk Museums Service, and Rosalind Hewett, Learning & Engagement Officer, Norwich Museums, said:
‘We are really excited to be working in partnership with the RNLI on our summer holiday programme at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery.
‘The RNLI’s input will offer an important contemporary focus to our exhibition, The Last Voyage of the Gloucester: Norfolk’s Royal Shipwreck, 1682.
‘It will also be a lot of fun to be working together!’
To find out more information about the event, please visit: https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle
Be part of a lifesaving tradition. The RNLI relies on people like you dedicating their time and energy to saving lives at sea.
If you would like to volunteer for the RNLI, please contact
[email protected] or the Volunteer Experience team on
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Notes to editors
The RNLI is seeking more ‘hands on deck’ in the Norfolk area. Check out the RNLI website to find out more about RNLI volunteering: https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer or contact your local Community Manager for Norfolk specific opportunities.
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace over 900 years ago and spent at least 500 years as the county prison. It is now a museum and art gallery and home to some of the most outstanding collections of fine and decorative arts, archaeology and natural history, not only in the region, but the country. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is part of Norfolk Museums Service, a multi-award-winning service comprising ten museums and a study centre. NMS is now regarded as one of the leaders in the museum sector and since April 2018 has been a National Portfolio Organisation for Arts Council England. It is also a recipient of major support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in particular the current Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project to transform the Castle’s Norman Keep. Norfolk Museums Service is a partnership between Norfolk County Council and Norfolk's district councils, funded through council tax, earned income and grants. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
RNLI picture caption
Photograph 1 shows The Last Voyage of the Gloucester Exhibition. Photo credit: David Kirkham.
Photograph 2 shows Shipwreck! Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery's Summer Holiday Programme. Photo credit: David Kirkham.
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Toni Carr, RNLI Media Engagement Placement, on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or Rebecca Whyte, RNLI Community Manager, on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.