RNLB Jacob and Rachel Vallentine 1  

ON.580

On Station as No 2 Lifeboat from 14 February 1931 – March 1938.

Jacob and Rachel Vallentine was housed in the Pier Road boat house. The boat was built at a cost of £730 7s 2d and supplied by as legacy of Mr Samuel Vallentine, London. The boat was 34’ Rubie Class Self-righting with ten (10) oars; she was also fitted with a small mizzen mast after bulkhead. Built by Thames Ironworks, Blackwall, Yard No TL20.

Originally stationed at Happisburgh (1907-1926) then Palling (1926-1930) before being stored from 1930 at RNLI Depot before being allocated to Whitby as No 2 boat.

During her time at Whitby, Jacob and Rachel Vallentine was launched 15 times and saved 19 lives and was most notably linked to the rescue of five (5) persons when the River Esk flooded at Ruswarp in September 1931 - See Rescues/Ruswarp Floods for details

The boat was sold out of service on 11 February 1938 to Charles Fleming, 105A Cheyne Walk, London.

Curator’s notes

There were two Lifeboats named Jacob and Rachel Vallentine that served at Whitby, this is the first.

Somebody must have planned the arrival of a boat called Vallentine to arrive at Whitby on Valentine’s Day!

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