Grace Darling National Memorial Museum, Bamburgh
Things to do in Northumberland Scottish Borders
Museums in Scotland
Description: A Museum of the Life and Times of lifeboat heroine, Grace Darling.
Ownership:
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Situation � OS ref: NU 178349
How to get there:
By car: In the village of Bamburgh. Turn off the A1, south of Berwick upon Tweed along the B1342. Signposted Bamburgh and Seahouses.
By public transport: Regular bus services from Berwick upon Tweed.
PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED NOTES TAKEN FROM THE R.N.L.I. WEBSITE
Grace Darling was only 22 years old when she risked her life in an open boat to help people she did not know and was unlikely to see again. With her father, she rowed for over a mile through the raging sea to reach the survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire. The courage that Grace showed on that day is now legendary.
Grace Darling was the media celebrity of her day. Following the rescue, Grace was celebrated internationally and was showered with honours, medals and prizes including the RNLI's own Silver Medal for gallantry. So great was the continuing interest in her, that a museum was established in 1938 to commemorate her life. The museum became a treasure-trove and includes the famous rescue coble, Grace's dresses, letters and family belongings and a cornucopia of commemorative ware from the 1830s to the present day.
However, the museum remained virtually unchanged since 1938 and became in desperate need of improvement to protect the irreplaceable collection and to cater for visitors in the 21st century.
Thanks to a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the support of other trusts, the museum will now be completely rebuilt during 2005-06.
The new museum will offer:
- An education, resource and community room for research and events
- Exciting new and improved exhibitions and displays
- Better access and facilities for volunteers and visitors
THE REBUILT MUSEUM WILL OPEN IN 2007
Web link: (where appropriate):
RNLI Website
Places to stay nearby:
Bamburgh
Berwick
Local towns and villages:
Bamburgh
Seahouses
Berwick upon Tweed
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