RNLB Robert and Mary Ellis 2  

ON.588

On Station as No 1 Lifeboat from Dec 1908 – March 1919, post March 1919 - March 1934 she was housed in the Pier Road boat house (where you are stood now) alongside the RNLB William Riley. The boat was built at a cost of £887 0s 8d and supplied as legacy of Miss M. A. Ellis, 3 Prospect Place, Harrogate, Yorkshire. The boat was 35’ in length Self-righting with ten (10) oars, she was also fitted with two standing lugs and jib. Built by Thames Ironworks, Blackwall, Yard No TL29.

Stationed at the Whitby old west side Lifeboat station on Pier Road before moving to the new Pier Road Boat House in 1895.

During her career at Whitby, Robert & Mary Ellis was launched 37 times and saved 43 lives.  

The boat was sold out of service in March 1934 to Captain W. Milburn, Whitby Yacht Club and used at Whitby as a pleasure boat.

Curator’s notes

This was the second Lifeboat to be name Robert & Mary Ellis that served at Whitby.

The boat is presently in storage in Hexham, Northumberland (updated Sept 2022).

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