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In this historical biography, the life story of the founder of the United Kingdom’s royal charitable lifeboat service is revealed for the first time. Established in the nineteenth century when death from shipwreck was a tragic reality, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was created with the sole mission of saving lives. But little is known about the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary. A handsome, charismatic figure known to be something of a philanderer, Hillary was a social climber born to a slave-holder’s family in Liverpool who mingled with royalty and married an heiress. So how did Hillary become one of England’s national heroes? Historian and bestselling author of The Arcanum Janet Gleeson reveals for the first time how a charming adventurer was inspired to lead the historic campaign for the creation of the National Institute for the Preservation of Life (today’s RNLI). Despite having never learned to swim himself, Hillary braved terrifying storms to save hundreds of lives during his quest. Drawing on previously unpublished letters—many of them written by Hillary himself—Gleeson narrates the fascinating story of the RNLI’s development, along with the Hillary’s political ties and private tribulations. For history lovers and fans of maritime adventure stories, Lifeboat Baronet is an absorbing account of how a Regency rake improbably became an important Victorian philanthropist and reformer.
This maritime history recounts dramatic tales of rescue at sea by the brave members of the 200-year-old Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Whenever vessels have foundered off the coasts of Britain, there have been brave individuals willing to give their all to save those in peril. But in 1823, Sir William Hillary decided that this impromptu approach was not enough. He believed that many more lives could be saved by the establishment of a national, organized rescue service. His idea was realized the following year with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. From the days of oar-powered open boats to modern, hi-tech vessels, rescuers have battled storms and unimaginable conditions, risking – and sometimes forfeiting – their own lives in efforts to save others. The most outstanding of these operations led to the awarding of gold medals for gallantry, the RNLI version of the Victoria Cross. Drawn from archives, contemporary newspaper accounts and genealogical records, this book looks not just at the details of the rescues, but into the people behind them.
This “absolutely absorbing” Georgian-era mystery “blends historical detail with riveting crime drama” (Booklist, starred review). New Year’s Day, 1755. Nathanial Hopson, apprentice to renowned cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, is called to Cambridge to install a new library in the country home of Lord Montfort. But after a gun goes off during a dinner party at the nobleman’s estate, Montfort is discovered dead on the floor of the library, clutching a lovely carved box of rare grenadillo wood in one hand, a gun discarded near the other. Everyone surmises the death of the ill-humored peer to be a suicide. Everyone, that is, except the discerning Hopson, who is drawn immediately into the investigation. But the bloody business becomes personal when the body of Hopson’s friend is found in the frozen pond on Montfort’s estate. Now the only thing certain is that Hopson’s sleuthing will put him—and the fair beauty aiding his inquiry—in grave danger. “Colorful and wildly entertaining, the novel spins enigma after enigma. . . . A wonderful read.” —The Guardian “An auspicious fiction debut . . . Engaging and enjoyable” —The Observer “[This] compulsive page-turner . . . will appeal especially to anyone who was spellbound by Charles Palliser’s The Quincunx.” —The Daily Mail “[Gleeson’s] portrait of Georgian England is masterly and the mystery—enhanced by her unique and unlikely sleuth—enthrallingly complex.” —Library Journal
Extreme weather events, such as droughts, strong winds and storms, flash floods and extreme heat and cold, are among the most destructive yet fascinating aspects of climate variability. Historical records and memories charting the impacts and responses to such events are a crucial component of any research that seeks to understand the nature of events that might take place in the future. Yet all such events need to be situated for their implications to be understood. This book is the first to explore the cultural contingency of extreme and unusual weather events and the ways in which they are recalled, recorded or forgotten. It illustrates how geographical context, particular physical conditions, an area’s social and economic activities and embedded cultural knowledges and infrastructures all affect community experiences of and responses to unusual weather. Contributions refer to varied methods of remembering and recording weather and how these act to curate, recycle and transmit extreme events across generations and into the future. With international case studies, from both land and sea, the book explores how and why particular weather events become inscribed into the fabric of communities and contribute to community change in different historical and cultural contexts. This is valuable reading for students and researchers interested in historical and cultural geography, environmental anthropology and environmental studies.
A biography of Dr John Disney (1779-1857), the benefactor of the first chair in archaeology at a British university. He also donated his major collection of Classical sculptures to the University of Cambridge. The sculptures continue to be displayed in the Fitzwilliam Museum.