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{{Short description|Lifeboat station in West Sussex, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
<!-- images -->
| logo = Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.svg
| logo_size = 100px
| logo_caption =
| image = File:Littlehampton lifeboat station - geograph.org.uk - 2684024.jpg
| image_size =
| image_caption = Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
<!-- map -->
| map_type = West Sussex
| pushpin_relief = 1
| map_image =
| map_caption = Location of Littlehampton Lifeboat station within West Sussex
<!-- location -->
| location = Fisherman's Quay
| address =
| location_city = ], ], BN17 5BL
| location_country = ]
| coordinates = {{coord|50|48|28.9|N|0|32|40.1|W|display=inline,title}}
<!-- stats -->
| former_names =
| alternate_names =
| etymology =
| status =
| cancelled =
| topped_out =
| building_type = ] Lifeboat Station
| architectural_style = Steel-frame Boathouse<br/>with brick and block construction
| material =
| classification =
| altitude =
| namesake =
| groundbreaking_date =
| start_date =
| stop_date =
| est_completion =
| completion_date =
| opened_date = 1884<br/>re-established in 1967
| inauguration_date =
| closing_date = 1921
| demolition_date =
| destruction_date =
| cost =
| ren_cost =
| client =
| owner = ] ]
| affiliation =
| height =
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| structural_system =
| size =
| floor_count =
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}}


'''Littlehampton Lifeboat Station''' is located in the town of ], in ], on the south coast of England.The station is on the harbour side on the eastern bank of the ], a quarter mile from the harbour entrance and the pier. The current lifeboat house on Fisherman's Quay was built in 2002.<ref name="Littlehampton">{{cite web |title=Littlehampton Lifeboat Station |url=https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/littlehampton-lifeboat-station |publisher=RNLI |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>


A lifeboat station was first established here by the ] (RNLI)in 1884.<ref name="LBES">{{cite book |last1=Leonard |first1=Richie |last2=Denton |first2=Tony |title=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024|date=2024 |publisher=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |pages=4–132}}</ref>
{{Geobox|Lifeboat Station

| name = Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
The lifeboat station currently operates with two inshore lifeboats: a {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 85}} lifeboat, ''Renee Sherman'' (B-891) and a {{Lbc|D|IB1}} lifeboat, ''Ray of Hope'' (D-769).<ref name="LittlehamptonBoats">{{cite web |title=Littlehampton's lifeboats |url=https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/littlehampton-lifeboat-station/littlehampton-lifeboats |publisher=RNLI |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>
| category =] Lifeboat station
| image = File:Littlehampton lifeboat station - geograph.org.uk - 2684024.jpg
| image_caption = Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
| flag = RNLI FLAG.png
| symbol =
| country = ]
| state = ]
| state_type = County
| region = ]
| district = ]
| district_type=]
| municipality = ]
| municipality_type = ]
| location =Fisherman's Quay, Littlehampton, West Sussex , BN17 5BL
| elevation =
| prominence =
| lat_d = 50
| lat_m = 48
| lat_s = 28.9
| lat_NS = N
| long_d = 0
| long_m = 32
| long_s = 40.1
| long_EW = W
| length =
| length_orientation =
| width =
| width_orientation =
| height =
| depth =
| volume =
| area =
| author =
| style = Steelframe Boathouse <br />with brick and block construction
| material =Concrete, brick, block and Steel
| established = 1884<br /> re-established in 1967
| date =
| owner =]
| public =
| visitation = Classed as an Explore<ref name=RNLISTATION>{{cite web|title=Visiting stations|url=http://rnli.org/aboutus/lifeboatsandstations/stations/Pages/Visiting-stations.aspx|work=Explanation of the visitor-classification of the RNLI stations|publisher=The RNLI - copyright © RNLI 2014.|accessdate = 5 March 2014}}</ref> station <br />with free access.Parking, disabled parking, <br />disabled access.
| visitation_date = All year round,
| access =
<!-- *** Free fields *** -->
| free = | free_type =
<!-- *** Maps *** -->
| map = West Sussex UK location map.svg
| map_caption =Location of Littlehampton Lifeboat station<br> within West Sussex
| map_background =
| map_locator =
| map_locator_x =41
| map_locator_y = 55
| footnotes =
}}
'''Littlehampton Lifeboat Station''' is an RNLI<ref name=SELSEYRNLI>{{cite web|title= The RNLI Littlehampton Lifeboat Station website|url=http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Littlehampton-Lifeboat-Station.aspx|work=Home page of station website – RNLI|publisher=©2014 RNLI|accessdate = 5 March 2014}}</ref> station located in the town of ] in the ] ] of ] in the ].<ref name=OSEX120>OS Explorer Map 120 - Chichester South Harting and Selsey (OS Explorer Map Active) Folded Map.Publisher: Ordnance Survey. ISBN 978 0319467626</ref> The station is located on Littlehampton harbour side on the eastern bank of the River Arun, half a mile from the river's mouth and the east and west piers. The current lifeboat house is on Fisherman's Quay and was built in 2002. The lifeboat station currently operates with two inshore lifeboats: an ], ] and a ], '']''<ref name=RNLITown>{{cite web | title = The lifeboats| publisher = ] Littlehampton | url =http://littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk/the-lifeboats/ | accessdate = 7 February 2014}}</ref> The ] of lifeboats (in service 1971–2008) take their name from the ], which comes to a head a ]; however, no Arun-class lifeboats have been stationed at the station.<ref name=Handbook>{{cite book |last= Denton |first= Tony |title= Handbook 2009 |year= 2009 |publisher= Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |location= Shrewsbury |pages= 26–33 }}</ref>


== History == == History ==
The RNLI opened the first lifeboat station in the town in 1884.<ref name=PERIL>For Those In Peril – The Lifeboat Service of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Station by Station. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher: Silver Link Publishing Ltd, First Issue 1999. Work:Part 2, South Coast of England – Eastbourne to Weston-super-Mare, Page 74, Littlehampton. ISBN 1 85794 129 2</ref><ref name=MYLH>{{cite web|title=A Brief History of Littlehampton|url=http://www.mylittlehampton.co.uk/history.html|work=Reference to the early work of the RNLI at Littlehampton|publisher=Arun District Council| accessdate = 5 March 2014}}</ref> It was built on the east bank of the River Arun, near what is now the ] ]. The station's first pulling lifeboat was manned by local sailors and fishermen using oars and sail. During the next 37 years of operation, the lifeboats were launched 26 times before this original station closed in 1921.<ref name=MYLH/> With lifeboats placed at {{Lbs|Hayling Island}}, {{Lbs|Bembridge}} and {{Lbs|Selsey}}, it was decided in 1884 to close the station at {{Lbs|Chichester Harbour}}, and create a new station at Littlehampton. A boathouse was constructed for £311-1s-7d, on a site provided by the ], on the east bank of the River Arun, near what is now the ] ].<ref name=MYLH>{{cite web|title=A Brief History of Littlehampton|url=http://www.mylittlehampton.co.uk/history.html|work=Reference to the early work of the RNLI at Littlehampton|publisher=Arun District Council| accessdate = 5 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="LittlehamptonJM">{{cite book |last1=Morris |first1=Jeff |title=The Story of the Littlehampton Lifeboats |date=April 1997 |publisher=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |pages=1–48 |edition=Second}}</ref>


The 32-foot 'pulling and sailing' (P&S) lifeboat (a lifeboat using oars and sail, with no engine), ''James and Elizabeth'', by this time already 19 years old, was transferred from Chichester on 25 August 1884. The boat, manned by fishermen and local coastguard, was paraded around the town to the station, where she was renamed ''Undaunted''. On station for only 4 years, she would be launched just twice, but was not required to rescue anyone.<ref name="LittlehamptonJM"/>
=== Station re-location ===
In 1903<ref name=PERIL/> the boathouse was moved to a new site, which was in close proximity to the lighthouse. This station operated on the site until 1921,<ref name=PERIL/> when it closed as a result of a lack of suitable crewman to man the boat, along with the placement of a new motor lifeboat further west along the coast at ].<ref name=PERIL/>


A new 34-foot lifeboat, ''James, Mercer and Elizabeth'' (ON 172), was placed at Littlehampton in 1888. On 2 November 1901, the lifeboat was launched to the aid of the ] ''Amy'' of ], on passage from ] to ] with a cargo of coal, and now driven ashore ashore. With extreme difficulty, the Littlehampton lifeboat got along side, and rescued the crew of six. In the poor conditions, the boat was beached at ], and later returned to station on her carriage. This lifeboat would rescue 12 people in her 16 years on station.<ref name="LittlehamptonJM"/>
=== The re-opening as an inshore lifeboat station ===
The ] noted that given the large increase in the use of pleasure craft and leisure activities, the area was seeing a change in the pattern of casualties along the West Sussex coastline and Arun river estuary. An increasing number of services had been required to rescue to bathers washed out to sea, people on ], ], and various small water craft and, as a result, faster first response was needed. The station re-opened in 1967 as an inshore lifeboat station operating a ] lifeboat housed in a garage on the east bank of the river Arun. The cost of this inshore lifeboat was defrayed by a ] ] ] appeal.<ref name=STTOSV>Strong to Save – Dramatic first-hand accounts of the RNLI lifeboat rescues around the British Iles. Author: Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Patrick Stephens Ltd, re-printed addition – 1998. Work: Blue Peter to the Rescue – references to the Blue Peter appeals and involvement with the RNLI, Page 104. ISBN 1 85260 495 6</ref> The lifeboat was called '']''<ref name=BPETER>{{cite web|title=Shorething! - Blue Peter lifeboats and rescue|url=http://rnli.org/shorething/discover/bluepeter/Pages/Blue-Peter.aspx|work=Description of the relationship of Blue Peter 1 to Littlehampton|publisher=RNLI| accessdate = 6 March 2014}}</ref> and with this placement came an association with the ] that has carried on since.


In 1903, the Coastguard site at Littlehampton was re-developed, and a row of terraced cottages were constructed along what became Coastguard road. The boathouse had to be moved, and was reconstructed at the end of the terrace, at the junction with Arun Parade, at a cost of £240. A new 35-foot lifeboat was placed at Littlehampton in 1904, provided from the legacy of Mr. Francis J. Freeman, of Abbey Road, ], London, and named ''Brothers Freeman'' (ON 531). The boat would be launched 14 times in the next 17 years, and rescue 10 lives.<ref name="Littlehampton"/><ref name="LittlehamptonJM"/>
=== 1979 ===
In 1979, the station was improved with the construction of a bespoke new boathouse located near Fishermen's Quay in the town, from which lifeboats could be launched quickly down a short ramp into the river Arun.<ref name=PERIL/>


Following the retirement in November 1918 of Coxswain G. J. Pelham, who had served in this role since the station opened in 1884, and also Second (and latterly Acting) Coxswain Alonzo Allen in January 1919, Honorary Secretary Mr. Griffiths reported that no replacement officers were appointed to the lifeboat, and finding a crew was proving extremely difficult. Littlehampton lifeboat station was closed temporarily in February 1921. However, with a motor-lifeboat planned to be placed at {{Lbs|Selsey}} in 1922, Littlehampton Lifeboat Station was closed on 5 December 1921. ''Brothers Freeman'' (ON 531) was withdrawn, and transferred to {{Lbs|Plymouth}}.<ref name=MYLH/><ref name="LittlehamptonJM"/><ref name=PERIL>For Those In Peril – The Lifeboat Service of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Station by Station. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher: Silver Link Publishing Ltd, First Issue 1999. Work:Part 2, South Coast of England – Eastbourne to Weston-super-Mare, Page 74, Littlehampton. {{ISBN|1 85794 129 2}}</ref>
=== 2002 ===
In 2002, the station underwent a large re-development. The new building is still located on Fishermen's Quay, but is in a slightly different situation to fit in with the recent waterside improvements in the area. The new station has been designed specifically as a two-boat station at a cost of £550,000.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE>{{cite web|title=Station History – Littlehampton Lifeboat Station|url=http://littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk/station-history/|work=Littlehampton History – reference to new station and Lifeboat|publisher=Copyright © 2014 RNLI Littlehampton. All Rights Reserved.|accessdate = 6 March 2014}}</ref> The new station also saw the arrival of the current ] lifeboat, ''Blue Peter 1'' (B-779), at a cost of £100,000.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE/>


=== Reopening and ''Blue Peter'' appeals ===
The current boathouse, which was officially opened on Monday 6 October 2003, is a two-storey building and is large enough to house both lifeboats and their launching cradles and tractors. The ground floor is equipped with showers, a workshop, crew changing rooms and storage for ]s, ], ], ] and ]s This latter room is also a dry room with ]s keeping all the equipment in optimal condition. The first floor contains a crew and training room with meeting facilities as well as a chart table which can be used to plot and plan the progress of the boats whether on exercise or service. Alongside this facility there are the marine radios used to monitor progress and to communicate directly with the boats.
Increased leisure boating in the area led to a corresponding rise in marine rescues, including swimmers and small craft washed out to sea, necessitating a faster local response. The Littlehampton lifeboat station was re-opened in 1967, as an Inshore lifeboat station, operating a {{Lbc|D|RFD PB16}} lifeboat, housed in a garage on the east bank of the river Arun.<ref name="LBES"/>


The cost was defrayed by a ] appeal on the ] programme '']''. The lifeboat was named ''Blue Peter I'' (D-115). The original ''Blue Peter I'' lifeboat would come to be replaced five times, with subsequent lifeboats being of the larger twin-engined ] type. Funded each time by appeals on ''Blue Peter'', each replacement lifeboat retained the name ''Blue Peter I'' until 2016.<ref name="STTOSV">Strong to Save – Dramatic first-hand accounts of the RNLI lifeboat rescues around the British Isles. Author: Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Patrick Stephens Ltd, re-printed addition – 1998. Work: Blue Peter to the Rescue – references to the Blue Peter appeals and involvement with the RNLI, Page 104. {{ISBN|1-85260-495-6}}</ref><ref name="BPETER">{{cite web|title=Shorething! - Blue Peter lifeboats and rescue|url=http://rnli.org/shorething/discover/bluepeter/Pages/Blue-Peter.aspx|work=Description of the relationship of Blue Peter 1 to Littlehampton|publisher=RNLI| accessdate = 6 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="NTB">Never Turn Back – The RNLI since the Second World War. Author:Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Sutton Publishing, 2006. Work: Chapter 7, page 154, From Whitehall to White City – Blue Peter book appeal, {{ISBN|0-7509-4307-6}}</ref><ref name=LHAMPLIFE>{{cite web|title=Station History – Littlehampton Lifeboat Station|url=http://littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk/station-history/|work=Littlehampton History – reference to new station and Lifeboat|publisher=Copyright © 2014 RNLI Littlehampton. All Rights Reserved.|accessdate = 6 March 2014}}</ref>
=== 2005 ===
The second lifeboat, a new D-class inshore lifeboat, was donated by the Campaign for Real Gin in 2005 at a cost of £100,000.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE/> It was the named the ] in a ceremony at the boathouse on 21 May 2005.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE/>


=== 1979–present ===
== The Blue Peter relationship ==
In 1979, a new boathouse was built for the station near Fishermen's Quay, enabling quick launch down a short ramp into the Arun.<ref name=PERIL/>
The children's television programme Blue Peter<ref name=BPETER/> held and annual appeal for good causes every year. In 1966<ref name=NTB>Never Turn Back – The RNLI since the Second World War. Author:Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Sutton Publishing, 2006. Work: Chapter 7, page 154, From Whitehall to White City – Blue Peter book appeal, ISBN 0 7509 4307 6</ref> the programmes producers decided to aim the appeal at raising funds for the RNLI with a view to providing a lifeboat. The programme asked its views to send in paperback books.<ref name=NTB/> The response was so great that the RNLI's warehouse at ] was overwhelmed with the second hand books. The proceeds of the appeal raised enough money to buy four<ref name=NTB/> inshore lifeboats for the institution, of which one was sent to Littlehampton with the other three going to ], ] and ].<ref name=NTB/> The stations first ILB was an ] called Blue Peter I (D-115) <ref name=BPETER/> and was a trial prototype of the Rigid-hulled inflatable boat, which is now a common sight all around the coast, confirming the success of the concept not only for rescue purposes, but also as an all-round leisure and working boat. The lifeboat remained on the station until May 1972<ref name=BPETER/> when the boat was moved into the relief fleet before being sold out of service in 1975. Following the departure of this boat the appeal was used to supply another ILB which inherited the name of '']''<ref name=BPETER/> with the hull number '(B-504). In July 1973 yet another Atlantic 21 arrived on station and once again it was given the name '']''.<ref name=BPETER/> This lifeboat was on station for a year until it was replaced by a more powerful version, and once again it was named '']''.<ref name=BPETER/> This boat remained on the station until 1985, when it moved into the relief fleet before serving at ] in 1988. Between 1985 and 2001 the station was given another new Atlantic 21 lifeboat '']''<ref name=GAZ>{{cite web|title=Connie carries on Blue Peter tradition!|url=http://www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/news/local/connie-carries-on-blue-peter-tradition-1-1133546|work=Littlehampton Gazette – 9 October 2003 – Report on new station and Lifeboat|publisher=Littlehampton Gazette|accessdate = 6 March 2014}}</ref> which also served as ''Blue Peter I''. That lifeboat joining the relief fleet and then was sold out of service in 2003. The stations current lifeboat follows in the naming tradition and is called ''Blue Peter I (B-779)''.<ref name=BPETER/> This lifeboat is an ] which arrived at Littlehampton in 2002, and, to date, (2014) is still on service at Littlehampton lifeboat station to this day.<ref name=BPETER/>

In 2002, the station underwent a large re-development to fit in with the recent waterside changes in the area. The new station has been designed specifically as a two-boat station at a cost of £550,000. At this time, the station was provided with a {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 75}} lifeboat, ''Blue Peter I'' (B-779), at a cost of £100,000.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE/>

A new {{Lbc|D|IB1}} Inshore lifeboat, ''Spirit of Juniper'' (D-631), was donated by the Campaign for Real Gin in 2004, at a cost of £25,000, and served until 2014. She was replaced by ''Ray of Hope'' (D-769), a later version of the D-Class IB1, funded by a private donor at a cost of £42,000.<ref name=LHAMPLIFE/><ref name="RoH">{{cite news|last1=Ash|first1=Tim|date=13 October 2014|title=Official naming ceremony for new lifeboat at Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station|agency=]|url=http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Official-naming-ceremony-for-new-lifeboat-at-Littlehampton-RNLI-lifeboat-station.aspx|accessdate=5 August 2016}}</ref>

The final ''Blue Peter I'' was replaced in 2016 by a {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 85}} boat, ''Rennee Sherman'' (B-891).<ref name="LLweb">{{cite web|title=The latest news on our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat|url=http://littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk/2016/04/latest-news-new-atlantic-85-lifeboat/|website=littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk|accessdate=3 August 2016}}</ref>

The Littlehampton lifeboat station was the busiest in the West Sussex area, with 61 call outs in 2020 and 913 between 2008 and 2020.<ref name="Busy">{{cite web |title=Littlehampton lifeboat busiest in West Sussex |url=https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/national/interactive-map-shows-how-many-times-the-rnli-has-been-called-out-3347474 |publisher=Sussex World |access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref>

== Station honours ==
The following are awards made at Littlehampton<ref name="Littlehampton"/><ref name="Lifeboat Gallantry">{{cite book |last1=Cox |first1=Barry |title=Lifeboat Gallantry |date=1998 |publisher=Spink & Son Ltd |isbn=0-907605-89-3}}</ref>

*''']'''
::Lt. Timothy Macnamara, RN, coastguard - 1840

*''']'''
::Lt. George Davies, RN, coastguard - 1840

*'''The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum'''
::C R Cole, crew member - 1970
::C J Pelham, crew member - 1970

::David William Woollven, Helmsman - 1982

==Littlehampton lifeboats==
===All-weather lifeboats===
{|class="wikitable"
! ON{{efn|ON is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat.}}
! Name
! In service<ref name="LBES 2021">{{cite book |last1=Leonard |first1=Richie |last2=Denton |first2=Tony |title=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2021 |date=2021 |publisher=Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society |pages=2–120}}</ref>
! Class
! Comments
|-
| {{nowrap|Pre-435}}
| ''Undaunted''
| 1884–1888
| {{nowrap|32-foot Self-Righting (P&S)}}
| <ref group=Note>32-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S) lifeboat, built by Forrestt of ].</ref><br/>Previously ''Joshua'' at {{Lbs|Newquay}} and ''James and Elizabeth'' at {{Lbs|Chichester Harbour}}.
|-
| 172
| ''James, Mercer and Elizabeth''
| 1888–1904
| 34-foot Self-Righting (P&S)
| <ref group=Note>34-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S) lifeboat, built by Woolfe & Son, of ], costing £328.</ref>
|-
| 531
| ''Brothers Freeman''
| 1904–1921
| 35-foot Self-Righting (P&S)
| <ref group=Note>35-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S), built by ] of ], costing £800.</ref>
|-
|}
:Station Closed in 1921
:{{Small|Pre ON numbers are unofficial numbers used by the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society to reference early lifeboats not included on the official RNLI list.}}

===Inshore lifeboats===
====D-class====
{|class="wikitable"
! Op.No.{{efn|name=Op|Op.No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat carried on the hull.}}
! Name
! In service<ref name="LBES"/>
! Class
! Comments
|-
| {{nowrap|D-115}}
| ''Blue Peter I''
| {{nowrap|1967–1972}}
| {{nowrap|{{Lbc|D|RFD PB16}}}}
| D-class withdrawn, B-class placed on station in 1972
|-
| D-431
| ''Veronica''
| 2003–2004
| {{Lbc|D|EA16}}
| D-class reintroduced, placed on station in 2003
|-
| D-458
| ''Maureen Samuels''
| 2004
| {{Lbc|D|EA16}}
|
|-
| D-631
| ''Spirit of Juniper''
| 2004–2014
| {{Lbc|D|IB1}}
| <ref name="D-631">{{cite web |title=Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication of Spirit of Juniper |url=https://www.realgin.com/charities/spirit-of-juniper/ |publisher=The Campaign for Real Gin |access-date=21 May 2005}}</ref>
|-
| D-769
| ''Ray of Hope''
| 2014–
| {{Lbc|D|IB1}}
| <ref name="D-769">{{cite web |title=Littlehampton lifeboat crew welcomes its new craft |url=https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/littlehampton-lifeboat-crew-welcomes-its-new-craft-2261221 |publisher=Sussex World |access-date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
|-
|}

====B-class====
{|class="wikitable"
! Op.No.{{efn|name=Op}}
! Name
! In service <ref name="LBES"/>
! Class
! Comments
|-
| {{nowrap|B-504}}
| ''Blue Peter I''
| {{nowrap|1972–1973}}
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 21}}
|
|-
| B-517
| ''Blue Peter I''
| 1973–1974
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 21}}
|
|-
| B-523
| ''Blue Peter I''
| 1974–1985
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 21}}
|
|-
| B-564
| ''Blue Peter I''
| 1985–2001
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 21}}
|
|-
| B-779
| ''Blue Peter I''
| 2002–2016
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 75}}
| <ref name="B-779">{{cite web |title=Littlehampton's Blue Peter lifeboat to be retired. |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-35595350 |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 February 2016}}</ref>
|-
| B-891
| ''Renée Sherman''
| 2016–
| {{Lbc|B|Atlantic 85}}
| <ref name="B-891">{{cite web |title=New Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat to be named in honour of French-born donor |url=https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2016/september/07/new-littlehampton-rnli-lifeboat-to-be-named-in-honour-of-french-born-donor |publisher=RNLI |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref>
|-
|}
{{notelist}}


== Gallery == == Gallery ==
{{gallery {{gallery
|lines=5
|File:Arun journey - geograph.org.uk - 802956.jpg|The Littlehampton Atlantic 75-class lifeboat Blue Peter 1 (B-779) being retrieved by the stations ] in its launch cradle on the slipway outside the lifeboat station at Fishermen’s Quay on the banks of the River Arun. |File:Arun journey - geograph.org.uk - 802956.jpg|The Littlehampton Atlantic 75-class lifeboat Blue Peter 1 (B-779) being retrieved by the stations ] in its launch cradle on the slipway outside the lifeboat station at Fishermen’s Quay on the banks of the River Arun.
|File:RNLB Spirit of Juniper D-631.jpg|The Littlehampton D-class inshore is called Spirit of Juniper (D-631) and has been on station since 2003. here she is inside the boathouse at Fishermen’s Quay, Littlehampton. |File:RNLB Spirit of Juniper D-631.jpg|The Littlehampton D-class Spirit of Juniper (D-631) was on station from 2004 to 2014, here inside the boathouse at Fishermen’s Quay, Littlehampton.
|File:Rennee Sherman launch.jpg|Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched in a cradle in the river Arun, Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016.
|File:Rennee Sherman in the river Arun heading out to sea.jpg|Rennee Sherman (B-891) in the river Arun heading out to sea, 9 May 2016.
|File:Rennee Sherman at top of ramp.jpg|Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched from Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016.
}} }}


==Neighbouring Station Locations== == Neighbouring Station Locations ==
{{Geographic Location {{Geographic Location
|title = '''Neighbouring Stations to Littlehamton''' |title = '''Neighbouring Stations to Littlehamton'''
Line 94: Line 254:
|North = ] |North = ]
|Northeast = ] |Northeast = ]
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==See also==
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==Notes==
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== References == == References ==
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Lifeboat station in West Sussex, England

Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
Littlehampton Lifeboat Station is located in West SussexLittlehampton Lifeboat StationLocation of Littlehampton Lifeboat station within West Sussex
General information
TypeRNLI Lifeboat Station
Architectural styleSteel-frame Boathouse
with brick and block construction
LocationFisherman's Quay
Town or cityLittlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 5BL
CountryEngland
Coordinates50°48′28.9″N 0°32′40.1″W / 50.808028°N 0.544472°W / 50.808028; -0.544472
Opened1884
re-established in 1967
Closed1921
Owner Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Website
Littlehampton RNLI

Littlehampton Lifeboat Station is located in the town of Littlehampton, in West Sussex, on the south coast of England.The station is on the harbour side on the eastern bank of the River Arun, a quarter mile from the harbour entrance and the pier. The current lifeboat house on Fisherman's Quay was built in 2002.

A lifeboat station was first established here by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)in 1884.

The lifeboat station currently operates with two inshore lifeboats: a B-class (Atlantic 85) lifeboat, Renee Sherman (B-891) and a D-class (IB1) lifeboat, Ray of Hope (D-769).

History

With lifeboats placed at Hayling Island, Bembridge and Selsey, it was decided in 1884 to close the station at Chichester Harbour, and create a new station at Littlehampton. A boathouse was constructed for £311-1s-7d, on a site provided by the War Department, on the east bank of the River Arun, near what is now the Harbour Park amusement park.

The 32-foot 'pulling and sailing' (P&S) lifeboat (a lifeboat using oars and sail, with no engine), James and Elizabeth, by this time already 19 years old, was transferred from Chichester on 25 August 1884. The boat, manned by fishermen and local coastguard, was paraded around the town to the station, where she was renamed Undaunted. On station for only 4 years, she would be launched just twice, but was not required to rescue anyone.

A new 34-foot lifeboat, James, Mercer and Elizabeth (ON 172), was placed at Littlehampton in 1888. On 2 November 1901, the lifeboat was launched to the aid of the brigantine Amy of Plymouth, on passage from Sunderland to Exeter with a cargo of coal, and now driven ashore ashore. With extreme difficulty, the Littlehampton lifeboat got along side, and rescued the crew of six. In the poor conditions, the boat was beached at East Preston, and later returned to station on her carriage. This lifeboat would rescue 12 people in her 16 years on station.

In 1903, the Coastguard site at Littlehampton was re-developed, and a row of terraced cottages were constructed along what became Coastguard road. The boathouse had to be moved, and was reconstructed at the end of the terrace, at the junction with Arun Parade, at a cost of £240. A new 35-foot lifeboat was placed at Littlehampton in 1904, provided from the legacy of Mr. Francis J. Freeman, of Abbey Road, St John's Wood, London, and named Brothers Freeman (ON 531). The boat would be launched 14 times in the next 17 years, and rescue 10 lives.

Following the retirement in November 1918 of Coxswain G. J. Pelham, who had served in this role since the station opened in 1884, and also Second (and latterly Acting) Coxswain Alonzo Allen in January 1919, Honorary Secretary Mr. Griffiths reported that no replacement officers were appointed to the lifeboat, and finding a crew was proving extremely difficult. Littlehampton lifeboat station was closed temporarily in February 1921. However, with a motor-lifeboat planned to be placed at Selsey in 1922, Littlehampton Lifeboat Station was closed on 5 December 1921. Brothers Freeman (ON 531) was withdrawn, and transferred to Plymouth.

Reopening and Blue Peter appeals

Increased leisure boating in the area led to a corresponding rise in marine rescues, including swimmers and small craft washed out to sea, necessitating a faster local response. The Littlehampton lifeboat station was re-opened in 1967, as an Inshore lifeboat station, operating a D-class (RFD PB16) lifeboat, housed in a garage on the east bank of the river Arun.

The cost was defrayed by a fundraising appeal on the BBC TV programme Blue Peter. The lifeboat was named Blue Peter I (D-115). The original Blue Peter I lifeboat would come to be replaced five times, with subsequent lifeboats being of the larger twin-engined Atlantic type. Funded each time by appeals on Blue Peter, each replacement lifeboat retained the name Blue Peter I until 2016.

1979–present

In 1979, a new boathouse was built for the station near Fishermen's Quay, enabling quick launch down a short ramp into the Arun.

In 2002, the station underwent a large re-development to fit in with the recent waterside changes in the area. The new station has been designed specifically as a two-boat station at a cost of £550,000. At this time, the station was provided with a B-class (Atlantic 75) lifeboat, Blue Peter I (B-779), at a cost of £100,000.

A new D-class (IB1) Inshore lifeboat, Spirit of Juniper (D-631), was donated by the Campaign for Real Gin in 2004, at a cost of £25,000, and served until 2014. She was replaced by Ray of Hope (D-769), a later version of the D-Class IB1, funded by a private donor at a cost of £42,000.

The final Blue Peter I was replaced in 2016 by a B-class (Atlantic 85) boat, Rennee Sherman (B-891).

The Littlehampton lifeboat station was the busiest in the West Sussex area, with 61 call outs in 2020 and 913 between 2008 and 2020.

Station honours

The following are awards made at Littlehampton

Lt. Timothy Macnamara, RN, coastguard - 1840
Lt. George Davies, RN, coastguard - 1840
  • The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum
C R Cole, crew member - 1970
C J Pelham, crew member - 1970
David William Woollven, Helmsman - 1982

Littlehampton lifeboats

All-weather lifeboats

ON Name In service Class Comments
Pre-435 Undaunted 1884–1888 32-foot Self-Righting (P&S)
Previously Joshua at Newquay and James and Elizabeth at Chichester Harbour.
172 James, Mercer and Elizabeth 1888–1904 34-foot Self-Righting (P&S)
531 Brothers Freeman 1904–1921 35-foot Self-Righting (P&S)
Station Closed in 1921
Pre ON numbers are unofficial numbers used by the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society to reference early lifeboats not included on the official RNLI list.

Inshore lifeboats

D-class

Op.No. Name In service Class Comments
D-115 Blue Peter I 1967–1972 D-class (RFD PB16) D-class withdrawn, B-class placed on station in 1972
D-431 Veronica 2003–2004 D-class (EA16) D-class reintroduced, placed on station in 2003
D-458 Maureen Samuels 2004 D-class (EA16)
D-631 Spirit of Juniper 2004–2014 D-class (IB1)
D-769 Ray of Hope 2014– D-class (IB1)

B-class

Op.No. Name In service Class Comments
B-504 Blue Peter I 1972–1973 B-class (Atlantic 21)
B-517 Blue Peter I 1973–1974 B-class (Atlantic 21)
B-523 Blue Peter I 1974–1985 B-class (Atlantic 21)
B-564 Blue Peter I 1985–2001 B-class (Atlantic 21)
B-779 Blue Peter I 2002–2016 B-class (Atlantic 75)
B-891 Renée Sherman 2016– B-class (Atlantic 85)
  1. ON is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat.
  2. ^ Op.No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat carried on the hull.

Gallery

  • The Littlehampton Atlantic 75-class lifeboat Blue Peter 1 (B-779) being retrieved by the stations TC45 tractor in its launch cradle on the slipway outside the lifeboat station at Fishermen’s Quay on the banks of the River Arun. The Littlehampton Atlantic 75-class lifeboat Blue Peter 1 (B-779) being retrieved by the stations TC45 tractor in its launch cradle on the slipway outside the lifeboat station at Fishermen’s Quay on the banks of the River Arun.
  • The Littlehampton D-class Spirit of Juniper (D-631) was on station from 2004 to 2014, here inside the boathouse at Fishermen’s Quay, Littlehampton. The Littlehampton D-class Spirit of Juniper (D-631) was on station from 2004 to 2014, here inside the boathouse at Fishermen’s Quay, Littlehampton.
  • Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched in a cradle in the river Arun, Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016. Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched in a cradle in the river Arun, Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016.
  • Rennee Sherman (B-891) in the river Arun heading out to sea, 9 May 2016. Rennee Sherman (B-891) in the river Arun heading out to sea, 9 May 2016.
  • Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched from Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016. Rennee Sherman (B-891) being launched from Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, 9 May 2016.

Neighbouring Station Locations

Neighbouring Stations to Littlehamton
West Sussex West Sussex West Sussex
Selsey Lifeboat Station
 Littlehampton Lifeboat Station
 		Shoreham Harbour Lifeboat Station
English Channel English Channel English Channel

See also

Notes

  1. 32-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S) lifeboat, built by Forrestt of Limehouse.
  2. 34-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S) lifeboat, built by Woolfe & Son, of Shadwell, costing £328.
  3. 35-foot (10-oared) Self-righting (P&S), built by Thames Ironworks of Blackwall, London, costing £800.

References

  1. ^ "Littlehampton Lifeboat Station". RNLI. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  2. ^ Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 4–132.
  3. "Littlehampton's lifeboats". RNLI. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  4. ^ "A Brief History of Littlehampton". Reference to the early work of the RNLI at Littlehampton. Arun District Council. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. ^ Morris, Jeff (April 1997). The Story of the Littlehampton Lifeboats (Second ed.). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 1–48.
  6. ^ For Those In Peril – The Lifeboat Service of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Station by Station. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher: Silver Link Publishing Ltd, First Issue 1999. Work:Part 2, South Coast of England – Eastbourne to Weston-super-Mare, Page 74, Littlehampton. ISBN 1 85794 129 2
  7. Strong to Save – Dramatic first-hand accounts of the RNLI lifeboat rescues around the British Isles. Author: Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Patrick Stephens Ltd, re-printed addition – 1998. Work: Blue Peter to the Rescue – references to the Blue Peter appeals and involvement with the RNLI, Page 104. ISBN 1-85260-495-6
  8. "Shorething! - Blue Peter lifeboats and rescue". Description of the relationship of Blue Peter 1 to Littlehampton. RNLI. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  9. Never Turn Back – The RNLI since the Second World War. Author:Kipling, Ray and Susannah. Publisher:Sutton Publishing, 2006. Work: Chapter 7, page 154, From Whitehall to White City – Blue Peter book appeal, ISBN 0-7509-4307-6
  10. ^ "Station History – Littlehampton Lifeboat Station". Littlehampton History – reference to new station and Lifeboat. Copyright © 2014 RNLI Littlehampton. All Rights Reserved. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  11. Ash, Tim (13 October 2014). "Official naming ceremony for new lifeboat at Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station". RNLI. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  12. "The latest news on our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat". littlehamptonlifeboat.org.uk. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  13. "Littlehampton lifeboat busiest in West Sussex". Sussex World. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  14. Cox, Barry (1998). Lifeboat Gallantry. Spink & Son Ltd. ISBN 0-907605-89-3.
  15. Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2021). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2021. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 2–120.
  16. "Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication of Spirit of Juniper". The Campaign for Real Gin. Retrieved 21 May 2005.
  17. "Littlehampton lifeboat crew welcomes its new craft". Sussex World. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  18. "Littlehampton's Blue Peter lifeboat to be retired". BBC. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  19. "New Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat to be named in honour of French-born donor". RNLI. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
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